Insights Gained from Appraisal of Probe
As mentioned in an earlier post, the aim was to evaluate the number of people who are likely to become more contributive to a community garden upon the implementation of Ezi-Worm.
This evaluation was not completed in a setting where we hoped the technology probe would likely be implemented, but rather in a surrounding where multiple probes were installed, individually, and not within a community garden. Nevertheless, 19 participants took part in investigating the uses of Ezi-Worm.
Based on observation and questions asked, there were a few specific details that people were unsure about. For example, our temperature measuring system within the worm container — although we were interested in seeing how people react to urgency upon a low/high temperature reading (displayed through the use of LED lights), it was evident that even with the noticeable change in temperature, people were baffled with what to do to decrease that. Even suggesting the implementation of an automated vent system. In addition, participants were unsure about whether the temperature reading was of the worm container or the atmosphere of the area.
Due to the nature of the setting, one participant pointed out that the loud construction noises could have an effect on the Ultrasonic Sensor, which could result in inaccurate distance readings within the container — this was a fair judgement for being in an outdoor environment, these are the factors that must be considered.
As a result of the setting, we were unable to get data on the number of people contributing to the worm farm, like we had hoped to. It was rather an informative evaluation where the process of the worm farm was run through step by step, before questions were asked and suggestions were made. Overall the feedback helped us realise the potential Ezi-Worm could have in community gardens through sustainability, as well as looking at the social and therapeutic benefits of it.
General Feedback
A main concern shown by most participants to all participating technology probes was whether or not we could get sufficient and convenient energy to consistently power these probes. This was a concern we had looked into prior to evaluation, however failed to come up with a solution in time for the participants to test. One participant, however, did suggest looking into renewable energy that is not reliant on solar power, as the positioning of sunlight is inconsistent and unpredictable, particularly with Ezi-Worm being placed in a shaded area where direct sunlight is not a given.
Future Implementation
One of the most notable suggestions that we hope to implement in the future would be a separate reservoir for food scraps. That way, rather than waiting for an update of the worm container’s capacity, residents are able to freely place their scraps into a reservoir at any time. The reservoir would then automatically distribute the scraps into the worm container once a certain capacity threshold is reached. This suggestion is not only logical but do-able, while looking at the convenience of the probe for users.
After careful evaluation of the technology probe, Ezi-Worm, although it would have been more insightful if it were to be placed in the targeted environment, there were definitely many more details that could be taken into consideration before the final implementation. This includes a possible re-iteration of the flag which allows people to see from afar whether or not the worm farm is at its maximum capacity, as it was unclear to participants of the actual purpose of the flag — whether its change in direction/colours was in response to the temperature or capacity of the worm container. The temperature-measuring feature is also one to re-iterate as it is important for users to understand the concept behind it and to prompt an action as a response.
The participants that were involved in the evaluation were roughly middle-aged with a moderate knowledge and experience with technology, therefore, given that there were still confusion within this group, it is safe to assume that it could be more of an issue within our intended target contributors/users (retirees with a very basic knowledge of technology).
