aroya.io • 2018-2020
Environment Tracking for Cannabis Cultivation
Project Mgmt & Planning Research Design Prototyping Testing Handoff
I collaborated with a US client to design a solution for regulated cannabis cultivation that enables more efficient workflows, more strategic decision making and less worries. Thanks to extensive contextual research, collaborative design and close implementation support, the platform is very successful in the US despite a very competitive market.
Research to Design in 4 steps.
Design Process
User Research
Every phase of our project started with extensive field research. To identify market opportunities we initially talked to farmers and potential users across various agricultural industries. Later-on, as our product matured, we narrowed down the participants to diverse staff of cannabis cultivation.
1
Insight Synthesis
Our research findings refined our understanding of specific needs and behaviors which we mapped and synthesised to create a competitive and future proof strategy that wouldn’t go up in smoke. All our insights were also formulated in appealing service design deliverables, such as roadmaps or other schematics that facilitated communication within the client’s org.
2
Strategic Direction
Co-creatively with the client, we mapped various journeys together to develop a meaningful symbiosis and determine which functionalities and features our solution needs to provide for a valuable product.
3
Product Development
Consequently, we developed a product that delivers value across the entire cannabis cultivation process, from cultivation to processing and from task management to compliance.
4
Making Abstract Data Actionable
Case Study
Cultivators constantly have to make difficult decisions to ensure the most optimal growing conditions and thus maximise their yields. Aroya enables those decisions with real-time plant data, using their own sensor technology.
To transform the data into something actionable, the information within needs to be digestible, relevant and meaningful. We thereby used visuals that enable both, quick actions as well as deeper understanding.
Large, interactive graphs for example let managers analyse development over time whereas quickly readable gauges directly on site communicate current status on first glance to the staff on the ground.
Results
The final product was a platform that facilitates task management, cannabis cultivation and processing, integrates seamlessly with governmental compliance and allows for semi-scientific cultivation analysis.
The incessantly tested designs combine the client’s hardware with a user-friendly software for web and mobile. An additional professional consulting service provides training and support.
As of 2023, 3 years after we tested the first prototype, Aroya is market leader in compliant cultivation tracking with 650 clients and 3.6 million sqft of tracked canopy.
“Working with Simon was one of the smartest investments we made along the journey from product discovery to market delivery. His ability to unite our business goals with market needs & opportunities helped us to rapidly transform our early concepts into a fully-featured and expertly-designed product. The fact that he is fun and easy to work with is a bonus.”
— Steven Garrity, Product Owner
