Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

This study was conducted in the Department of Industrial Design within the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, University of Johannesburg. The study involved the development of an off-grid food processing system reliant on solar energy for micro-food processors in Johannesburg, where the solutions were developed with the input of the users throughout the design and testing processes. Three micro food processors who process raw ingredients into Chilli Sauce, Body Soap and Ginger Beer respectively formed a central role within the research and development process. The first phase of the project consisted of the problem identification and gaining a thorough understanding of the energy and product requirements of food processing equipment. During the second phase field observations were conducted with the three users, gaining a thorough understanding of their needs and requirements. The third phase consisted in the design development through the utilisation of sketches, mock-ups and prototype construction allowing for evaluation within a laboratory setting. Finally, the fourth phase was the testing of the prototypes in the field with the participants processing their raw ingredients into final products with the use of the newly developed system components. The developed system components including a Heliotropic Solar Stove; a Solar Thermosiphon Water Heater and a Photovoltaic Food Processor Workstation. Through the effective incorporation of users within this design process, it has allowed for the development of appropriate off-grid systems components which can immediately form part of current processing procedures, empowering them by not needing to rely on any fossil fuel energy.