Seed Starting

A complete Seed Starting Kit, thoughtfully designed and crafted to make gardening fun, easy, and educational for everyone.

Date | Spring ‘25
Duration | 10 Weeks
Category | Packaging
Processes | Sketching, CAD Modeling, 3D Printing, Vacuum Forming, Laser Machining, UV Printing, Vinyl Cutting, CNC Machining

Research

How is Seed Starting Done?

What’s Already on the Market

Key Takeaways

Materials

Organic and Eco Friendly

Capillary Watering System

Creates a reservoir of water for easier

and better watering practices

Design Solution

User-Friendly

Eco-Friendly

Design Objectives

Develop an all-comprehensive seed starting kit that includes everything you need in one package
Design Packaging with the user and environment in mind— easy, manageable, low cost, user-friendly,
eco-friendly, and organic
Ensure sustainability and reusability of the kit with little to no need of repurchasing contents

Educational

All Inclusive

The Problem

Most seed starting kits on the market do not include everything a user needs for proper seed starting

Packaging Inspiration

Eco-Friendly Material

Organic Packaging Style

Compact Packaging

Colorful, Pattern, Repetition

Flat Design Style

Ergonomic Handles

Illustrative Design Style

Playful, Fun

Sketch Ideation

Initial ideation focused on finding a design theme and style. Explores different ways to communicate the use and purpose of this kit. Figuring out what elements to choose before focusing on overall design, packaging form, or colors.

Sketch Refinement

Concept 1

Focuses on establishing a minimal yet playful logo by emphasising vegetables and the results of using this kit

Concept 2

Explores the use of pattern, Repitition, and color while still focusing on the key components and objectives of the kit

Concept 3

Emphasizes the idea of an at home garden and the ability to grow your own produce right from your house

Final Four

The final versions of the above concepts focus on dialing in on the overall design, color, and typography

Final Direction

Dielines

Colors

Typography

Fonts from Adobe Illustrator

Quick Guide Manual

low Fidelity Prototyping

Gable Box Package
- Bristol Paper
Shelving, Plant Trays & Plant Containers
- Bristol Paper and Cardboard
Plant Trays, Plant Dome, Tray Supports & Plant Containers
- Bristol Paper & Plastic
Plant Tray & Plant Dome
- 3D Printed PLA
Soil Pouch & Seed Packet
- Bristol Paper
Plant Tools: Snips, Widger & Dibber
- 3D Printed PLA
Water Mister & Fertilizer Bottle
- 3D Printed PLA
Plant Labels
- Plywood

CAD Modeling

3D modeling helps examine snap fits, screws and multi part Assemblies for certain components of the kit.

Product Development

Components

3D Printing

The plant labels were made out of basswood and cut out using a laser cutter.

Vacuum Forming

The shelving is made out of plywood and cut out by a cNC router.

Laser Cutting

CNC Machining

A 3D printer was used to print out the plan trays, dome molds, tools, and bottles.

Through this processes, different molds were tested and several test were done to test ABS plastic, Ventilation and form to find the right Candidate for developing the dome lids.

Packaging

Laser Cutting

A Laser cutter was used to cut out the packaging components— the gable box, soil pouch, and seed packets. Materials used include cardboard and kraft paper.

Vinyl Cutting