Project EON

Project Type: Group (Coursework)
Activities: Team Leader, Secondary Research, Primary Research, Primary Research Analysis, Conceptualization of solution, Prototyping
Mentor: Prof. Shamit Srivastav (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamit-shrivastav/), Prof. Andrea Phillott (https://www.flame.edu.in/faculty/andrea-phillott)
Tools: Adobe XD, Figma, Otter.ai, Canva

Process Map:

Discover

Background:

  • As part of the FLAME Scholar’s program, the scholar is required to undertake an individual dissertation or group project with the aim of recommending and designing a solution, product or business plan or mitigation action for a problem identified in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • We had to identify a problem that fell along the lines of the SDGs and follow a holistic approach to understand the field that we were exploring through the project.

  • Based on our explorations and understanding of the problem and field, we were required to recommend and develop a solution to mitigate or reduce the negative effects of the problem

Problem Statement:

The rapid urbanization and population growth in developing countries like India poses a significant challenge in balancing the demand for residential housing and the conservation of natural resources. This brings about two principal matters of concern:

  • Encroachment on agricultural lands, deforestation, overuse of water and excess excavation lead to the depletion of natural resources (specifically tree cover, water and soil)

  • Current policies promote development and growth but do not pursue sustainable development in the context of urban housing development

Define and Understand

Secondary Research:

  • We focused our research on how tree cover, water and soil are handled during the consumption, waste and disposal phases of residential housing development.

(Screening Process for Secondary Research)

We used the SPECTRUM framework in order to categorize our secondary research and gain a holistic understanding of the factors that could influence our topic of study and identify research gaps that we could fill through the next stage of our project. The components of the SPECTRUM model are as follows:

  • S - Social

  • P - Political

  • E - Environmental

  • C - Competition

  • T - Technology

  • R - Regulations

  • U - Universe

  • M - Market

For our secondary research, we used the Environmental, Technology, Market and Regulation components. In order to find out more about our findings from the secondary research and the research gaps identified, refer to the report available on the drive link provided at the bottom of the page.

Primary Research

  • We used the POEMS framework to systematically examine the site that we visited. The dimensions that are a part of the POEMS framework include:
    P - People
    O - Objects
    E - Environment
    M - Messages
    S - Services

  • Aside from site observations we also interviewed different stakeholders relevant to our research such as architects, subject matter experts, construction supervisors and construction workers using semi-structured interviews.

(Stakeholder Map for Primary Research)

(Primary Research Plan and Achieved Primary Research)

Analysis, Recommendation and Design

In order to find out more about our findings from the primary research, refer to the report available on the drive link provided at the bottom of the page.

Recommendations to Mitigate Mishandling of Natural Resources in Urban Housing Development:

  • Initiate multi-stakeholder collaboration

  • Conduct and implement large-scale awareness campaigns to create synergy between public awareness and policies

  • Leverage technology across all stages of construction and post-sales

  • Foster sustainable groups from the grassroots level starting from education to implementation

Solution:

(Logo For Solution)

  • To address the identified problems and integrate recommendations from our study, a comprehensive solution in the form of an app-based platform is recommended

  • The app is named EON which stands for Elements of Nature

  • The app would serve three stakeholders; residents, architects and construction workers with features unique to each target group

  • For architects, the app would serve as a design validation tool

  • For construction developers, the app would serve as a repository of information and suggestions for sustainable construction practices and the growth of awareness

  • For residents, the app would serve as a guide towards maintaining a property and integrating sustainable living practices

  • The app was created to represent the user journey of an architect on Adobe XD

Link to working Prototype: https://xd.adobe.com/view/04ed432e-d2aa-4605-ae63-07a8614e8747-51be/?fullscreen&hints=off

Link to Project Report and Presentation: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12XE5d4CxESYAH8kggG3763UQ-nr4F975?usp=sharing