ALVEO
ALVEO is an at-home photobioreactor and cultivation tank which allows consumers to grow and harvest fresh, flavour free and ready to consume spirulina. Home cultivation of spirulina helps to reduce the food mileage of the consumer whilst simultaneously transforming carbon dioxide by photosynthesis into oxygen, aiding a better air quality in the home. ALVEO aims to bring a sense of wellness to both the kitchen and consumer by introducing this superfood of the future to the home.
Spirulina is fast emerging at the forefront of superfoods. With a protein content of 65%, exceeding that of meat based products and 50% more iron than spinach, people around the world are becoming more interested in this nutrient rich microalgae. Spirulina is already being used as a supplement, helping to provide numerous essential nutrients to malnourished people in underdeveloped parts of the world.
“Algae is the foundation of the next generation of farming and food.”
Miguel Calatayud, CEO of Qualitas Health
In order to learn more about how spirulina grows in terms of timing, colour and harvesting. I invested in a culture kit of my own to widen my knowledge on spirulina. For a 250 ml culture, you are able to start a cultivation of 3L. After 1 to 3 weeks (depending on how well your growth conditions are) you can dilute the culture the same way again. From this amount of culture you can havrest 3 grams. This is the equivalent of 5 servings of veg (equivalent vitamins and minerals).
Utilising our research findings I sketched out various ideas. I looked into the form of the product, whether it would be a geometric shape or curvatious with soft details. I focused in on details such as is the product going to be a single component or will there be removable elements?
ALVEO works in a cycle, with all excess water and spirulina being reused in the production of the next harvest. The harvested spirulina is removed from the filter on the small discharge container and is ready to be used in smoothies, cakes, and protein shakes. Everything left over is returned to the culture through the lid in the top of the tank.
By offering people the ability to cultivate their own fresh spirulina, you are offering them the opportunity to live a more carbon neutral lifestyle. Home cultivation of spirulina reduces the consumers food mileage whilst helping to reduce commercial production of dried spirulina. The natural air purifying properties of spirulina improves the air quality in the home through photosynthesis. Wastage created from home cultivation can be reused in the production of the next harvest.
At this stage I decided to work on my storyboarding. With model ready I created a storyboard showcasing how the consumer will harvest their spirulina in a simple 5 step process. I tried to make this as clear as possible so that the consumer would be able to follow the process with the correct instructions. Is it easy to follow and does it communicate well?
The Harvesting Process is quick and simple and can be followed using an easy step-by-step method. The spirulina will turn an opaque dark green once ready to be harvested. After the liquid has been siphoned through the filter, the harvested spirulina is available on the surface. If the process has been followed as advised there should be 1-2 grams of fresh spirulina. Before use the spirulina must be rinsed on the filter.
The Dial Screen operates using an interactive touch sensitive screen which has three simple command modes. By turning the dial you are able to access the different screens, how far you have to turn for each is identified by small engraved decals on the outer rim of the dial. Once turned to the required mode the screen will automatically adapt to the function needed.
The ALVEO Mobile App is designed to help the consumer stay connected to the product and the brand. The app helps to keep you in the loop with everything ALVEO, through notifications about your harvest, alerts to re-order parts, and if your latest subscription has been dispatched. The app acts as a platform allowing the consumer to build their own profile where they can store recipes and monitor their ALVEO, looking at temperature and time since last harvest all in the palm of their hand.