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report:soa [2026/04/12 20:36] – [Vertical gardening] team1report:soa [2026/04/21 14:05] (current) – [Aerogarden harvest] team1
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 ===== 2. Background and Related Work ===== ===== 2. Background and Related Work =====
-//This chapter provides the reader with the relevant technical-scientific background as well as existing related products and research, also known as the state of the art, in the field(s) of the project.// 
  
 ==== Introduction ==== ==== Introduction ====
-//Provide here an overview of the contents (structure) of this chapter.//+ 
 + 
 +The following chapter presents the scientific and technical background relevant to the project, as well as an overview of existing solutions. It begins with describing the relationship between smartphone usage and mental health, highlighting the negative effects of excessive screen time and the need for innovative approaches to support healthier digital behavior. 
 +Moreover, current digital solutions are analyzed, with a focus on their design principles, functionality and limitations. The chapter then outlines the physical domain by introducing hydroponics, plant cultivation methods and smart farming technologies, which form the foundation for integrating biological systems into the project. 
 +Finally, existing products and systems are compared in order to identify gaps and opportunities. This analysis helps justify the design direction of Screen2Green and establishes the basis for the following chapters.
  
 ==== Smartphone Usage and Mental Health ==== ==== Smartphone Usage and Mental Health ====
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 The current market has several apps that boost the user's motivation, productivity and mental health. These apps share a simple design and fast performance. Another thing they have in common is that they are all designed to be accessible, making the journey as simple as possible for various types of users. Using the color green, some of these apps help boost mental health and keep the user relaxed and calm. Using light and smooth animations, these apps don't overwhelm the user and assist the user in maintaining their focus while keeping the experience fresh and lively. Lastly, these apps have a noticeably flat learning curve due to in-app guidance or due to a small amount of features that are easy to find thanks to their simple layout. The current market has several apps that boost the user's motivation, productivity and mental health. These apps share a simple design and fast performance. Another thing they have in common is that they are all designed to be accessible, making the journey as simple as possible for various types of users. Using the color green, some of these apps help boost mental health and keep the user relaxed and calm. Using light and smooth animations, these apps don't overwhelm the user and assist the user in maintaining their focus while keeping the experience fresh and lively. Lastly, these apps have a noticeably flat learning curve due to in-app guidance or due to a small amount of features that are easy to find thanks to their simple layout.
  
 +
 +==== Growing Media ====
 +
 +Determining the most efficient method for indoor herb cultivation is necessary to first understand how growth environments affect plant development. In the context of Screen to Green, the medium must act as a responsive bio-indicator of a user’s digital habits while remaining clean and practical for a modern desk environment.
 +
 +Traditionally, plants are grown in soil (geoponics), where organic matter acts as a reservoir for water and nutrients. However, soil is often unsuitable for desk-side IoT devices due to its bulk, the potential for mess, and its tendency to harbor pests like fungus gnats [(Barbosa)]. Crucially, soil’s high moisture retention creates a "buffer" that delays visible wilting. For our project, this is a major disadvantage, as we need the plant to show relatively quick visual feedback when a user exceeds their screen time limit.
 +
 +An alternative is Hydroponics, specifically Deep Water Culture (DWC). 
 +DWC suspends roots directly in an oxygenated, nutrient-rich water solution. While DWC is very efficient and clean, it can be technically demanding to maintain in a small, portable pot. This led our team to research a "middle ground" known as Semi-Hydroponics
  
 === Hydroponics === === Hydroponics ===
 Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using water that contains all the necessary nutrients. The roots are supported by materials like clay pellets or coconut fiber, making it ideal for indoor farms, greenhouses, or small urban spaces. Because it doesn’t rely on soil, it allows people to grow plants even where space or ground quality is limited. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using water that contains all the necessary nutrients. The roots are supported by materials like clay pellets or coconut fiber, making it ideal for indoor farms, greenhouses, or small urban spaces. Because it doesn’t rely on soil, it allows people to grow plants even where space or ground quality is limited.
  
-The idea has existed for a long time, with early examples like the Aztec Chinampas, where crops were grown on floating platforms. Modern hydroponics was developed in the 20th century and popularized by William Frederick Gericke, who showed that plants could grow using only water and nutrients. [(GrowersNetwork2018)]+The idea has existed for a long time, with early examples like the Aztec Chinampas, where crops were grown on floating platforms. Modern hydroponics was developed in the 20th century and popularized by William Frederick Gericke, who showed that plants could grow using only water and nutrients [(growersnetwork2018)].
  
  
 In hydroponic systems, plants receive nutrients through water, along with oxygen and light. This controlled environment helps plants grow efficiently. It works especially well for herbs because they grow quickly and don’t need large root systems. Common examples include basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, chives, oregano, thyme, and dill, with basil being one of the most popular choices. In hydroponic systems, plants receive nutrients through water, along with oxygen and light. This controlled environment helps plants grow efficiently. It works especially well for herbs because they grow quickly and don’t need large root systems. Common examples include basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, chives, oregano, thyme, and dill, with basil being one of the most popular choices.
  
-Hydroponics has several advantages. Plants often grow faster, use less water due to recycling, and can be grown year-round indoors. There are also fewer pests since no soil is used. However, the system can be expensive to set up, depends on electricity, and requires careful monitoring. If something goes wrong, plants can be affected quickly. [(Rajaseger2023Hydroponics:currenttrendsinsustainablecropproduction)] +Hydroponics has several advantages. Plants often grow faster, use less water due to recycling, and can be grown year-round indoors. There are also fewer pests since no soil is used. However, the system can be expensive to set up, depends on electricity, and requires careful monitoring. If something goes wrong, plants can be affected quickly [(rajaseger2023)]. 
  
 There is also an interesting connection between plants and productivity. Apps like Forest help users stay focused by growing a virtual tree while they avoid distractions. This works because it rewards focus instead of just blocking phone use. Research shows that smartphones are a major source of distraction, with people checking them frequently and losing concentration for long periods. There is also an interesting connection between plants and productivity. Apps like Forest help users stay focused by growing a virtual tree while they avoid distractions. This works because it rewards focus instead of just blocking phone use. Research shows that smartphones are a major source of distraction, with people checking them frequently and losing concentration for long periods.
  
-[(lee2015)][(bringslimark2009)] +If this idea is applied to a real plant, the effect could be stronger. A real plant creates a sense of responsibility, which may motivate people more. In addition, having real plants nearby can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase concentration [(lee2015)][(bringslimark2009)].
- +
-If this idea is applied to a real plant, the effect could be stronger. A real plant creates a sense of responsibility, which may motivate people more. In addition, having real plants nearby can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase concentration.+
  
 Overall, combining hydroponics with focus-based systems could help people be more productive while also bringing the benefits of plants into their daily environment. Overall, combining hydroponics with focus-based systems could help people be more productive while also bringing the benefits of plants into their daily environment.
  
-==== Geoponics vs. hydroponics ==== +==== Semi-Hydroponics ==== 
-Determining the most efficient method for indoor herb cultivation is necessary to first understand how growth environments affect plant development. In the context of Screen to Green, the medium must act as a responsive bio-indicator of a user’s digital habits while remaining clean and practical for a modern desk environment. +Semi-Hydroponics uses inorganic mineral substrates like Lechuza Pon or Seramis [(Foliagefactory2024)].  
- +They are specialized growing media made of stones like pumice, zeolites, and volcanic rock, or baked clay granules. Unlike soil, these "grains" are sterile, meaning they don't have worms or attract bugs. They act like a sponge: they soak up the exact amount of water the plant needs and leave plenty of space for air, which prevents root rot.
-Traditionally, plants are grown in soil (geoponics), where organic matter acts as a reservoir for water and nutrients. However, soil is often unsuitable for desk-side IoT devices due to its bulk, the potential for mess, and its tendency to harbor pests like fungus gnats [(Barbosa)]. Crucially, soil’s high moisture retention creates a "buffer" that delays visible wilting. For our project, this is a major disadvantage, as we need the plant to show relatively quick visual feedback when a user exceeds their screen time limit. +
- +
-An alternative is Hydroponics, specifically Deep Water Culture (DWC). This method suspends roots directly in an oxygenated, nutrient-rich water solution. While DWC is very efficient and clean, it can be technically demanding to maintain in a small, portable pot. This led our team to research a "middle ground" known as Semi-Hydroponics using inorganic mineral substrates like Lechuza Pon or Seramis. +
- +
-Lechuza Pon and Seramis are specialized growing media made of stones like pumice, zeolites, and volcanic rock, or baked clay granules. Unlike soil, these "grains" are sterile, meaning they don't have worms or attract bugs. They act like a sponge: they soak up the exact amount of water the plant needs and leave plenty of space for air, which prevents root rot.+
  
 The general advantages of these soilless and mineral systems include: The general advantages of these soilless and mineral systems include:
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 While pure DWC is an excellent scientific tool, the use of inorganic substrates like Lechuza Pon or Seramis offers a slight advantage for Screen to Green. They provide the "grainy" look of soil that users are familiar with, but with the high-tech, clean, and responsive benefits of a hydroponic system and the water reservoir can be smaller than in DWC system. While pure DWC is an excellent scientific tool, the use of inorganic substrates like Lechuza Pon or Seramis offers a slight advantage for Screen to Green. They provide the "grainy" look of soil that users are familiar with, but with the high-tech, clean, and responsive benefits of a hydroponic system and the water reservoir can be smaller than in DWC system.
 +
 +
  
 ==== Comparative Growth Analysis: The Case of Basil ==== ==== Comparative Growth Analysis: The Case of Basil ====
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 An alternative propagation method involves the use of cuttings. In this approach, a stem is removed from an existing herb plant and placed directly into a growing environment. This method accelerates growth since the cutting already has an established structure. Over time, roots develop, and the stem becomes a fully independent plant. This process can be repeated by taking additional cuttings from the newly grown plant. Even commercially purchased herbs can serve as viable sources for cuttings, making this method particularly advantageous for hydroponic systems. An alternative propagation method involves the use of cuttings. In this approach, a stem is removed from an existing herb plant and placed directly into a growing environment. This method accelerates growth since the cutting already has an established structure. Over time, roots develop, and the stem becomes a fully independent plant. This process can be repeated by taking additional cuttings from the newly grown plant. Even commercially purchased herbs can serve as viable sources for cuttings, making this method particularly advantageous for hydroponic systems.
  
-Successful growth requires adequate sunlight to enable photosynthesis, allowing the plant to produce compounds necessary for development. Most herbs require approximately 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day, although light intensity requirements vary between species [(mackenzie2021herbs)]. For example, basil typically requires more intense sunlight than bay leaves. In addition to light, proper airflow, temperature, and humidity levels are essential. Adequate airflow helps prevent fungal growth, while optimal temperatures generally range between 18°C and 24°C. In hydroponic systems, maintaining the correct pH level is also critical, with most herbs thriving in a range between 5.5 and 6.5.+Successful growth requires adequate sunlight to enable photosynthesis, allowing the plant to produce compounds necessary for development. Most herbs require approximately 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day, although light intensity requirements vary between species [(mackenzie2021herbs)]. For example, basil typically requires more intense sunlight than bay leaves. In addition to light, proper airflow, temperature, and humidity levels are essential. Adequate airflow helps prevent fungal growth, while optimal temperatures generally range between 18 °C and 24 °C. In hydroponic systems, maintaining the correct pH level is also critical, with most herbs thriving in a range between 5.5 and 6.5.
  
 These environmental factors remain important throughout the maintenance phase. Poor regulation of these conditions can lead to plant diseases, often indicated by discoloration. Common issues include downy mildew and, in the case of mint, mint rust. Infected plants can often be treated by removing affected leaves to prevent further spread. These environmental factors remain important throughout the maintenance phase. Poor regulation of these conditions can lead to plant diseases, often indicated by discoloration. Common issues include downy mildew and, in the case of mint, mint rust. Infected plants can often be treated by removing affected leaves to prevent further spread.
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 However, vertical gardening isn’t always easy. Some systems, especially living walls, can be expensive to install. They also need regular maintenance, including watering, pruning, and checking that everything is working properly. The weight of the system can be an issue too, so the structure needs to be strong enough to support it. Choosing the right plants is also important, since not every plant can grow well in vertical conditions or in limited sunlight. However, vertical gardening isn’t always easy. Some systems, especially living walls, can be expensive to install. They also need regular maintenance, including watering, pruning, and checking that everything is working properly. The weight of the system can be an issue too, so the structure needs to be strong enough to support it. Choosing the right plants is also important, since not every plant can grow well in vertical conditions or in limited sunlight.
  
-The plants used in vertical gardens are usually lightweight and easy to manage. Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley are common choices, along with leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach. Strawberries are also popular, and climbing plants like beans and peas naturally grow well in vertical systems. For decoration, plants like ferns and ivy are often used because they create a full, green look. [(JainandJanakiram2016VerticalGardening:ANewConceptofModernEra)]+The plants used in vertical gardens are usually lightweight and easy to manage. Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley are common choices, along with leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach. Strawberries are also popular, and climbing plants like beans and peas naturally grow well in vertical systems. For decoration, plants like ferns and ivy are often used because they create a full, green look [(jain_janakiram_2016)].
  
 Overall, vertical gardening is a practical way to grow plants in places where space is limited. It combines older gardening techniques with modern ideas and makes it possible to bring more greenery into urban areas while also supporting small-scale food production. Overall, vertical gardening is a practical way to grow plants in places where space is limited. It combines older gardening techniques with modern ideas and makes it possible to bring more greenery into urban areas while also supporting small-scale food production.
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 Hydroponic systems also use space and resources efficiently. Research shows that soilless systems can support high plant density while using less water and fewer resources through recirculating nutrient systems [(Rajput2025)]. Hydroponic systems also use space and resources efficiently. Research shows that soilless systems can support high plant density while using less water and fewer resources through recirculating nutrient systems [(Rajput2025)].
  
-However, the system has clear limitations. Users must still manually refill water and add nutrients [(AmazonND)] [(Virginia2024)]. More importantly, the system focuses only on plant growth and does not influence user behavior. It does not connect plant care to user habits or provide meaningful behavioral feedback.+However, the system has clear limitations. Users must still manually refill water and add nutrients [(AmazonND)][(Virginia2024)]. More importantly, the system focuses only on plant growth and does not influence user behavior. It does not connect plant care to user habits or provide meaningful behavioral feedback.
  
  
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 Finally, even though the system is automated, it still needs regular maintenance. Things like pumps, irrigation lines, and nutrient systems have to be checked and cleaned. Research shows that issues such as clogging or biofilm formation can reduce system efficiency if they are not properly managed [(tahir2026)]. Finally, even though the system is automated, it still needs regular maintenance. Things like pumps, irrigation lines, and nutrient systems have to be checked and cleaned. Research shows that issues such as clogging or biofilm formation can reduce system efficiency if they are not properly managed [(tahir2026)].
  
-==== Projects ==== 
-//Search, select and describe related research projects// 
  
 ==== Comparative Analysis ==== ==== Comparative Analysis ====
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 ==== Summary ==== ==== Summary ====
-//Provide here the conclusions of this chapter and make the bridge to the next chapter.// +This chapter showed that while digital solutions can help reduce screen time, their impact is limited by their virtual nature. 
- +At the same time, physical systems enable plant growth but do not influence user behavior. 
- +This highlights a gap between digital behavior tracking and physical feedback systems and demonstrates the need for the Screen2Green project by linking smartphone usage to a real-world element. 
- +These findings provide the foundation for the next chapter, which outlines the project management and development process.
- +
  
-Based on this study of the state of the art, the team decided to adopt the following <specify here the architecture, technique(s), material(s), component(s)> because <specify here the technical/scientific reasons>.  
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