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DesignNewswire · COMO, Italy ·

A' Design Award in Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design Goes to Vaso Smart Indoor Garden System by Xiaoyu Zhang and Jiaxin Zou

Xiaoyu Zhang and Jiaxin Zou recognized for sustainable products, projects and green design by the international grand jury of the 2023 - 2024 A' Design Award & Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COMO, Italy, April 17, 2024 /DesignNewswire/ A' Design Award & Competition has announced that Vaso Smart Indoor Garden System by Xiaoyu Zhang and Jiaxin Zou, designed for Xiaoyu Zhang & Jiaxin Zou, has been granted the A' Design Award in the Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design category. The recognition forms part of the 2023 - 2024 A' Design Award & Competition and was reached through blind peer review by an international grand jury panel of established academics, design professionals and press members, who assessed anonymized entries against predetermined criteria.

The A' Design Award Explained

The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Regarding Vaso Smart Indoor Garden System

Vaso Smart Indoor Garden System combines elegance with functionality. Designed for easy plant placement, it fits most table plants and offers a plug-and-play experience. Advanced sensors ensure plants receive optimal hydration based on soil humidity. The mobile app provides real-time alerts for precise care. Crafted from recycled plastic, Vaso prioritizes sustainability and minimalistic aesthetics. Every detail minimizes environmental impact, delivering eco-consciousness and elegance in a single package, Vaso offers an ideal solution for plant enthusiasts with a busy life.

About Xiaoyu Zhang and Jiaxin Zou

Passionate and skilled all-rounder with an MFA degree in Graphic Design and experience in UI/UX Design, Jiaxin is a versatile character in the team and is known for her innate creativity and ability to guide the entire creative process. Jiaxin's empathetic approach allows her to identify and address the unique needs of diverse projects, ensuring the delivery of visually appealing and user-friendly designs. As a dedicated and curious person, Jiaxin continuously seeks to step foot in a new field, enriching her work and enlightening her surroundings. Her leadership in the creative process, combined with her commitment to design, sets her apart in the design world.

Award Record

Xiaoyu Zhang and Jiaxin Zou is a winner of 1 A' Design Award, including this recognition.

About the A' Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design Award

The A' Sustainable Product Design Award is an international design competition recognizing good sustainable products by leading designers and brands worldwide. The competition is organized within the A' Design Award & Competition and is open to sustainable product designers, green product manufacturers, eco-friendly product brands and industrial designers from all countries. Entries typically include sustainable projects, environment friendly designs, recycled, upcycled and bio-degradable products. Awarded sustainable product designs are published at https://designers.org/design-category/sustainable-product

About A' Design Award & Competition

A' Design Award & Competition is an international, juried design accolade organized annually since 2008. The competition is open to entries from all countries. The A' Design Award has a philanthropic mission to advance society through good design by recognizing and promoting superior products, projects and services that benefit society, and by creating a global awareness and appreciation for good design practices and principles. Entries are peer reviewed and anonymously evaluated by an international grand jury panel of established academics, design professionals and press members against predetermined criteria such as functionality, ergonomics, engineering, presentation, innovation, usability, sustainability and technology, with score normalization applied to remove biases. Awards are conferred at Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron levels. The A' Design Prize granted to eligible laureates includes the award trophy, the certificate of design excellence, the hardcover yearbook, a lifetime license to use the A' Design Award winner logo, exhibition of awarded works, an invitation to the gala night and award ceremony in Italy, inclusion in the World Design Rankings and Designer Rankings, and public relations and publicity services. Registration, the upload of a work and the preliminary score are free of charge, and Professional and Digital Edition laureates are not contractually obliged to pay further fees to claim the A' Design Prize. Further information is available at https://competition.adesignaward.com

Press Resources

Media Contact

Giulia Ferrari, Press Office
Designers.Org
Via Leone Leoni 32, 22100 Como, Italy
press@designers.org
+39 031 4491953

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Fact Sheet

The Work

Project
Vaso Smart Indoor Garden System
Function
Smart Indoor Garden System
Category
Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design
Discipline
Industrial Design
Industry
Sustainability
Colors
Dark Slate Gray, Dim Gray, Gray, Rosy Brown and Dark Gray
Images
5
Client
Xiaoyu Zhang & Jiaxin Zou

The Recognition

Laureate
Xiaoyu Zhang and Jiaxin Zou
Country
United States of America
Recognition
A' Design Award
Edition
2023 - 2024
Design ID
#154701

Credits

Team
Xiaoyu Zhang and Jiaxin Zou

Design Details

Unique Properties
Vaso waters plants based on soil humidity, offers easy plant placement, and relieves mental pressure. Designed for seamless integration, it fits most table plants, provides a plug-and-play experience, and features an ergonomic water inlet funnel design for precision and safety.
Inspiration
Inspired by a commitment to sustainability, Vaso was designed to harmoniously blend technology and nature, offering effortless plant care while minimizing waste, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing well-being through the calming presence of greenery in daily life.
Research
Conducting exploratory research, our goal was to understand user needs and preferences related to smart gardening systems. Using surveys and interviews, we gathered data from 200 participants, exploring their experiences and expectations. Our findings revealed a strong desire for effortless plant care and a deep connection to nature. These insights guided Vaso's design, focusing on user-friendly features and sustainability. The research also highlighted the potential market demand for eco-conscious home products. As a result, Vaso not only enhances users' lives but also contributes to sustainable living and the evolving landscape of eco-friendly design solutions.
Challenge
The most challenging aspect was integrating sustainability without compromising functionality. We had to source eco-friendly materials, balancing cost-effectiveness and durability. Navigating regulatory standards for recycled plastics was complex, requiring close collaboration with suppliers. The historical perspective of single-use plastics and societal pressure for eco-conscious design drove us to persevere. Additionally, aligning technology with the "best tech is no tech" philosophy posed obstacles. It was a creative challenge to simplify the user experience while harnessing advanced soil moisture sensors.
Realization and Technology
Crafted from recycled plastic, Vaso embodies sustainability and minimalistic aesthetics in its design and structure. Every element is thoughtfully engineered to minimize environmental impact, ensuring a seamless blend of eco-consciousness and elegance.
Operation and Interaction
Equipped with advanced sensors, Vaso automatically waters plants based on soil humidity levels, ensuring that they receive just the right amount of hydration needed to flourish. The mobile app will also alert the user in real-time when additional care is required, based on the unique growth environment of each plant.
Project Duration and Location
The project started in December 2022 in Los Angeles and produced the prototype in March 2023. Vaso was exhibited in the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen, Germany in 2023.
Specifications
Length 255 mm x Width 170 mm x Height 252 mm
Keywords
Green Tech, Smart Gardening, Sustainable Living, Eco Friendly, Home Garden

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