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report:soa [2026/06/13 16:21] – [2.4.3 LED vs. Natural Light for Plant Growth] team1report:soa [2026/06/14 17:50] (current) – [2.2.5 Ease of Use] team1
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 All the researched apps are simple to use by applying one of two techniques. Firstly, Liven and Forest guide the user throughout the app and its features using text blocks that pop up during app usage. To ensure this does not hinder the focus order and user's flow, these text blocks are shown between transitions. Secondly, apps can focus on solely one purpose, removing the need for a user journey. Minimalist Phone uses this approach. Instead of having a personalized journey or several goals that the user can achieve, it only shows the current time of day, battery percentage and focus session timer. There are no pages with separate topics, nor are there multiple topics on pages individually. There is only one page. There are presets of design, but these don't change any of the information shown. All the researched apps are simple to use by applying one of two techniques. Firstly, Liven and Forest guide the user throughout the app and its features using text blocks that pop up during app usage. To ensure this does not hinder the focus order and user's flow, these text blocks are shown between transitions. Secondly, apps can focus on solely one purpose, removing the need for a user journey. Minimalist Phone uses this approach. Instead of having a personalized journey or several goals that the user can achieve, it only shows the current time of day, battery percentage and focus session timer. There are no pages with separate topics, nor are there multiple topics on pages individually. There is only one page. There are presets of design, but these don't change any of the information shown.
  
-Minimalist Phone's layout is simple, showing only 3 items. Liven and Forest use a completely vertical layout, setting a simple user journey where the user only goes down the screen. This simple layout and the usage of pages for separation of concern enhances the focus order because the user only has 2 ways of navigation, top to bottom and page to page. Because these apps go from top to bottom, it's also accessible for users who use screen readers, for example users with impaired vision. There is no extravagant order of information, meaning the screen reader will always read in the right order. On the topic of accessibility, deaf users have a similar experience because there are no ground-level defining functions using sounds. Liven for example only uses background music that the user can turn on by choice. Sounds do not define the experience, they only enhance it. +Minimalist Phone's layout is simple, showing only three items. Liven and Forest use a completely vertical layout, setting a simple user journey where the user only goes down the screen. This simple layout and the usage of pages for separation of concern enhances the focus order because the user only has two ways of navigation, top to bottom and page to page. Because these apps go from top to bottom, it's also accessible for users who use screen readers, for example users with impaired vision. There is no extravagant order of information, meaning the screen reader will always read in the right order. On the topic of accessibility, deaf users have a similar experience because there are no ground-level defining functions using sounds. Liven for example only uses background music that the user can turn on by choice. Sounds do not define the experience, they only enhance it. 
  
-There are 2 ways these apps ensure their light weight and fast performance without overloading the phone's processor. Firstly, Forest and Minimalist Phone have only a handful of features which are very lightweight. Minimalist Phone only shows 3 items on the screen and has the option to swap between screen savers. Forest only has features regarding focus sessions and personal profile feedback. Forest also uses animations and art that show the user their virtual forest, but it uses a simple art style and minimal animations.+There are two ways these apps ensure their light weight and fast performance without overloading the phone's processor. Firstly, Forest and Minimalist Phone have only a handful of features which are very lightweight. Minimalist Phone only shows three items on the screen and has the option to swap between screen savers. Forest only has features regarding focus sessions and personal profile feedback. Forest also uses animations and art that show the user their virtual forest, but it uses a simple art style and minimal animations.
 Secondly, Liven has an abundance of features and more animations than Forest. To counter graphical and computational overload, Liven generates information throughout usage of the app. Since Liven focuses on giving the user a personalized journey, most of the data gets generated at the moment, making the application very lightweight out of the box and throughout usage. Secondly, Liven has an abundance of features and more animations than Forest. To counter graphical and computational overload, Liven generates information throughout usage of the app. Since Liven focuses on giving the user a personalized journey, most of the data gets generated at the moment, making the application very lightweight out of the box and throughout usage.
  
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 To determine the most efficient method for indoor herb cultivation, it is necessary to first understand how growth environments affect plant development. In the context of Screen2Green, the plant system must act as a responsive bio-indicator of a user’s digital habits while remaining clean and practical for a modern desk environment. To determine the most efficient method for indoor herb cultivation, it is necessary to first understand how growth environments affect plant development. In the context of Screen2Green, the plant system 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 Screen2Green, this is a major disadvantage because the plant needs to show relatively quick visual feedback when a user exceeds their screen time limit.+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 smart 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 Screen2Green, this is a major disadvantage because the plant needs 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 to research into a "middle ground" known as semi-hydroponics. 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 to research into a "middle ground" known as semi-hydroponics.
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-==== 2.4 Comparative Growth Analysis: The Case of Basil ====+==== 2.4 Basil Growth Requirements and Cultivation Factors ====
  
-To make Screen2Green work, it was necessary to examine how specific plants behave in different environments, and basil turned out to be the perfect choice for our "biological mirror." A study by Saha et al. [(Saha2016)] focused on comparing common basil grown in traditional soil and soilless systems. Basil is a great herb for this project because it is very visually responsive, meaning you can actually see it change based on how much water it has. In the study, the researchers showed that basil in a soilless setup grows much faster and looks much healthier than basil growing in regular dirt. While some systems use only water, our research also points toward "semi-hydroponic" methods using inorganic substrates like Lechuza Pon or Seramis. These are essentially clean, sterile grains that act like a high-tech version of soil without the mess or the bugs. This is really important for our goal of helping people with excessive phone use because we want the user to see a "reward" for their hard work. If a person does not exceed their screen time limit or a stays focused and studying without their phone, a soilless system allows the basil to grow big and green very quickly. However, because these inorganic substrates and water-based systems do not have the heavy "buffer" of organic dirt, the plant becomes more sensitive to our watering schedule. This is actually a huge benefit for our project; it means that if a user spends too much time scrolling and our system stops the optimal watering, the basil will start to droop and wilt much faster than it would in thick soil. This creates a quick and clear "physical warning" that tells the user to put their phone down and get back to real life.+To make Screen2Green work, it was necessary to examine how specific plants behave in different environments, and basil turned out to be the perfect choice for the "biological mirror." A study by Saha et al. [(Saha2016)] focused on comparing common basil grown in traditional soil and soilless systems. Basil is a great herb for this project because it is very visually responsive, meaning you can actually see it change based on how much water it has. In the study, the researchers showed that basil in a soilless setup grows much faster and looks much healthier than basil growing in regular dirt. While some systems use only water, our research also points toward "semi-hydroponic" methods using inorganic substrates like Lechuza Pon or Seramis. These are essentially clean, sterile grains that act like a high-tech version of soil without the mess or the bugs. This is really important for our goal of helping people with excessive phone use because we want the user to see a "reward" for their focused behavior. If a person does not exceed their screen time limit or a stays focused and studying without their phone, a soilless system allows the basil to grow big and green very quickly. However, because these inorganic substrates and water-based systems do not have the heavy "buffer" of organic dirt, the plant becomes more sensitive to our watering schedule. This is actually a huge benefit for our project; it means that if a user spends too much time scrolling and our system stops the optimal watering, the basil will start to droop and wilt much faster than it would in thick soil. This creates a quick and clear "physical warning" that tells the user to put their phone down and return their attention away from the phone.
  
 The following are the key scientific findings based on this research: The following are the key scientific findings based on this research:
  
-  * Faster Growth in Height: The researchers found that basil in soilless systems grew taller than the soil-grown plants in the same amount of time. This helps our users see the results of their good study habits almost immediately [(Saha2016)]. +  * Faster Growth in Height: The researchers found that basil in soilless systems grew taller than the soil-grown plants in the same amount of time. This helps users see the results of their good study habits almost immediately [(Saha2016)]. 
-  * More Leaves to See: The study showed that these plants have a much higher leaf count and a bigger total leaf area. This makes the plant look "extra lush," which is the exact visual reward we want to give our users for staying off their phones [(Saha2016)].+  * More Leaves to See: The study showed that these plants have a much higher leaf count and a bigger total leaf area. This makes the plant look "extra lush," which is the exact visual reward the intended visual feedback for staying off their phones [(Saha2016)].
   * Better Root Development: Because roots in water or loose grains like Seramis don't have to push through hard, compacted dirt, they grow longer and more efficiently. This makes the plant more sensitive to the water levels we control with our system [(Saha2016)].   * Better Root Development: Because roots in water or loose grains like Seramis don't have to push through hard, compacted dirt, they grow longer and more efficiently. This makes the plant more sensitive to the water levels we control with our system [(Saha2016)].
   * Lower Water Waste: Even though it seems like it uses a lot of water, soilless methods actually save water compared to soil because the moisture is targeted at the roots and does not just evaporate into the dirt [(Saha2016)].   * Lower Water Waste: Even though it seems like it uses a lot of water, soilless methods actually save water compared to soil because the moisture is targeted at the roots and does not just evaporate into the dirt [(Saha2016)].
-  * Cleanliness for Apartments: Unlike soil, which can be messy and attract bugs like gnats, using inorganic grains or water stays clean and sterile, which is much better for a student's desk [(Barbosa)].+  * Cleanliness for Apartments: Unlike soil, which can be messy and attract bugs such as gnats, using inorganic grains or water stays clean and sterile, which is much better for a student's desk [(Barbosa)].
  
  
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 There are different ways to create a vertical garden. One of the simplest methods is using a trellis, where plants grow upward along a wooden or metal frame. This works well for crops like peas, beans, and cucumbers. More advanced systems include green walls, where plants grow directly on specially designed panels with built-in watering systems. There are also vertical planters, such as stacked pots or hanging containers, and tower gardens, which allow plants to grow in layers and are often used with hydroponics. There are different ways to create a vertical garden. One of the simplest methods is using a trellis, where plants grow upward along a wooden or metal frame. This works well for crops like peas, beans, and cucumbers. More advanced systems include green walls, where plants grow directly on specially designed panels with built-in watering systems. There are also vertical planters, such as stacked pots or hanging containers, and tower gardens, which allow plants to grow in layers and are often used with hydroponics.
  
-There are several reasons why vertical gardening has become so popular. It saves space, which is important in small homes or apartments. It can also improve air quality, since plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. On top of that, vertical gardens make spaces look more attractive and can even help cool buildings by providing insulation. Another advantage is that people can grow their own food, like herbs or vegetables, even if they don’t have a traditional garden.+There are several reasons why vertical gardening has become so popular. It saves space, which is important in small homes or apartments. It can also improve air quality, since plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. On top of that, vertical gardens make spaces look more attractive and can even help cool buildings by providing insulation. Another advantage is that people can grow their own food, like herbs or vegetables, even if they do not have a traditional garden.
  
 However, vertical gardening is not 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 is not 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.
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-=== 2.4.3 LED vs. Natural Light for Plant Growth ===+=== 2.4.3 LED Lighting and Natural Light for Plant Growth ===
  
-In modern plant production, a light-emitting diode (LED) lighting is no longer treated as a simple utility but as a critical nutrient source that can be tailored to drive specific biological responses [(LyineGroup2026)]. While natural sunlight is the traditional baseline, it is often insufficient in intensity and duration, particularly during winter months in northern climates [(Ma2021)][(Paradiso2022)].+In modern plant production, a light-emitting diode (LED) lighting is no longer treated as a simple utility but as an important light source that can be tailored to drive specific biological responses [(LyineGroup2026)]. While natural sunlight is the traditional baseline, it is often insufficient in intensity and duration, particularly during winter months in northern climates [(Ma2021)][(Paradiso2022)].
    
 Sweet basil is widely used in advanced lighting research, where studies show that tuning LED light to key absorption wavelengths (around 435 nm (blue) and 665 nm (red)) can significantly improve plant growth and yield [(Rihan2020)]. Utilizing a blue wavelength of 435 nm instead of the industry-standard 450 nm can result in a 20 % increase in yield for basil. Furthermore, a ratio of 1.5 blue to 1.0 red has been found optimal for boosting both biomass and the concentration of essential oils [(LyineGroup2026)][(Rihan2020)]. In contrast, generic white LED light can lead to "leggy", structurally weak plants that are unmarketable [(LyineGroup2026)][(PhilipsND)]. Sweet basil is widely used in advanced lighting research, where studies show that tuning LED light to key absorption wavelengths (around 435 nm (blue) and 665 nm (red)) can significantly improve plant growth and yield [(Rihan2020)]. Utilizing a blue wavelength of 435 nm instead of the industry-standard 450 nm can result in a 20 % increase in yield for basil. Furthermore, a ratio of 1.5 blue to 1.0 red has been found optimal for boosting both biomass and the concentration of essential oils [(LyineGroup2026)][(Rihan2020)]. In contrast, generic white LED light can lead to "leggy", structurally weak plants that are unmarketable [(LyineGroup2026)][(PhilipsND)].
  
  
-== Light in Relation to DWC, Soil, and Water Growth ==+== Light in Relation to DWC, Soil, and Plant Growth ==
  
 The choice of cultivation system has a direct impact on lightning requirements and overall plant growth. In DWC specifically, plant roots are submerged in oxygen-rich water, making temperature control essential. For this reason, LED lighting is often preferred, as it produces very little heat and helps prevent the water temperature from rising, which could otherwise lead to root damage or rot. In these systems, roots tend to grow more efficiently because nutrients are readily available, resulting in compact, healthy root structures [(Rihan2020)][(LyineGroup2026)][(Olle2013)]. The choice of cultivation system has a direct impact on lightning requirements and overall plant growth. In DWC specifically, plant roots are submerged in oxygen-rich water, making temperature control essential. For this reason, LED lighting is often preferred, as it produces very little heat and helps prevent the water temperature from rising, which could otherwise lead to root damage or rot. In these systems, roots tend to grow more efficiently because nutrients are readily available, resulting in compact, healthy root structures [(Rihan2020)][(LyineGroup2026)][(Olle2013)].
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 Although LED technology is often described as the future of plant growth, there are several reasons to delay its implementation in the early stages of a project. First, the initial investment cost is relatively high, as specialized LED systems are significantly more expensive than traditional lighting or simple soil-based setups [(Olle2013)]. Second, the system introduces a level of operational complexity, since optimizing plant growth requires knowledge of Photosynthetic Photon Efficiency and Daily Light Integral [(LyineGroup2026)]. Incorrect settings can negatively affect plant health, leading to issues such as light stress or poor development. Although LED technology is often described as the future of plant growth, there are several reasons to delay its implementation in the early stages of a project. First, the initial investment cost is relatively high, as specialized LED systems are significantly more expensive than traditional lighting or simple soil-based setups [(Olle2013)]. Second, the system introduces a level of operational complexity, since optimizing plant growth requires knowledge of Photosynthetic Photon Efficiency and Daily Light Integral [(LyineGroup2026)]. Incorrect settings can negatively affect plant health, leading to issues such as light stress or poor development.
  
-In addition, energy efficiency can become a concern if the system is not properly optimized. Using non-specialized or generic LED lighting may increase electricity costs without providing meaningful benefits for plant growth [(LyineGroup2026)]. Also, natural light intensity is typically much higher in southern countries compared to northern European countries [(Signore2020)]. Because Portugal has a higher DLI year-round, it is not necessary with artificial light as a sole source for photosynthesis, which is often required in windowless «plant factories» or warehouses in darker climates [(LyineGroup2026)][(Paradiso2022)]. The project will focus on apartments where it is natural to have access to natural lighting. This highlights how geographic location influences the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of LED-based systems.+In addition, energy efficiency can become a concern if the system is not properly optimized. Using non-specialized or generic LED lighting may increase electricity costs without providing meaningful benefits for plant growth [(LyineGroup2026)]. Also, natural light intensity is typically much higher in southern countries compared to northern European countries [(Signore2020)]. Because Portugal has a higher Daily Light Integral (DLI) year-round, it is not necessary with artificial light as a sole source for photosynthesis, which is often required in windowless «plant factories» or warehouses in darker climates [(LyineGroup2026)][(Paradiso2022)]. The project will focus on apartments where it is natural to have access to natural lighting. This highlights how geographic location influences the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of LED-based systems.
  
 Finally, successful use of LED technology often depends on integrating multiple systems, including lighting, climate control, and nutrient delivery. Starting with a simpler grain-based approach allows the project to develop gradually, requiring fewer resources while avoiding unnecessary technical challenges in the early phase [(LyineGroup2026)]. Finally, successful use of LED technology often depends on integrating multiple systems, including lighting, climate control, and nutrient delivery. Starting with a simpler grain-based approach allows the project to develop gradually, requiring fewer resources while avoiding unnecessary technical challenges in the early phase [(LyineGroup2026)].
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 ==== 2.5 Home Smart Farming ==== ==== 2.5 Home Smart Farming ====
  
-Home smart farming is mainly about using technologies like sensors, automation, and simple data systems to make growing plants at home easier. It can be used in different places, such as a balcony, a small backyard, or even indoors. By combining normal gardening with technologies like IoT and hydroponics, people can manage plant growth in a more controlled way.+Home smart farming uses technologies like sensors, automation, and simple data systems to make growing plants at home easier. It can be used in different places, such as a balcony, a small backyard, or even indoors. By combining normal gardening with technologies like IoT and hydroponics, people can manage plant growth in a more controlled way.
  
 The main idea is to reduce the uncertainty that usually comes with traditional gardening. Normally, people have to rely on experience or guess when to water plants or how much light they need. However, in smart farming systems, sensors are used to continuously monitor conditions such as soil moisture, temperature, and light levels, which helps improve accuracy and consistency in plant care [(sheikh2025)]. The main idea is to reduce the uncertainty that usually comes with traditional gardening. Normally, people have to rely on experience or guess when to water plants or how much light they need. However, in smart farming systems, sensors are used to continuously monitor conditions such as soil moisture, temperature, and light levels, which helps improve accuracy and consistency in plant care [(sheikh2025)].
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 === 2.5.1 Key Technologies === === 2.5.1 Key Technologies ===
  
-== IoT == +== Internet of Things (IoT) == 
  
-One of the most important parts of home smart farming is Internet of Things (IoT). It allows different devices to connect and share data with each other. In this kind of system, sensors like soil moisture sensors, temperature sensors, and light sensors are used to keep checking the environment around the plant. The data collected from these sensors is usually sent to a central system or a mobile application. This makes it possible for users to check the condition of their plants in real time and control the system even when they are not at home. According to recent research, IoT helps improve how accurately these conditions are monitored and supports better decision-making by providing continuous data [(sheikh2025)]. It has also been used in small hydroponic systems to monitor things like pH, temperature, and water quality, which shows that it can work well even at a home scale [(abdul2025)].+One of the most important parts of home smart farming is IoT. It allows different devices to connect and share data with each other. In this kind of system, sensors like soil moisture sensors, temperature sensors, and light sensors are used to keep checking the environment around the plant. The data collected from these sensors is usually sent to a central system or a mobile application. This makes it possible for users to check the condition of their plants in real time and control the system even when they are not at home. According to recent research, IoT helps improve how accurately these conditions are monitored and supports better decision-making by providing continuous data [(sheikh2025)]. It has also been used in small hydroponic systems to monitor things like pH, temperature, and water quality, which shows that it can work well even at a home scale [(abdul2025)].
  
  
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-== AI and Data Analytics ==+== Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics ==
      
-Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also starting to be used in smart farming systems, mainly to help analyze data and support decision-making. For example, AI can be used to look at plant images and detect early signs of disease, or to find patterns in environmental data. However, in most home smart farming systems, AI is still quite basic. Instead of fully controlling everything automatically, it is usually used to give simple suggestions or alerts to the user. This means that people still need to be involved in managing the system, especially in smaller setups [(munir2025)].+AI is also starting to be used in smart farming systems, mainly to help analyze data and support decision-making. For example, AI can be used to look at plant images and detect early signs of disease, or to find patterns in environmental data. However, in most home smart farming systems, AI is still quite basic. Instead of fully controlling everything automatically, it is usually used to give simple suggestions or alerts to the user. This means that people still need to be involved in managing the system, especially in smaller setups [(munir2025)].
  
  
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 <WRAP center round box 100%> <WRAP center round box 100%>
 <table tab:systems> <table tab:systems>
-<caption>Table comparing different products on the market</caption>+<caption>Comparison of related products and systems on the market</caption>
 |**Photo**|**Product**|**Purpose**|**Automation level**|**Space**|**Sensors & technology**|**User effort**|**Price (€)**|**Key limitation**| |**Photo**|**Product**|**Purpose**|**Automation level**|**Space**|**Sensors & technology**|**User effort**|**Price (€)**|**Key limitation**|
 |{{ :report:aerogarden_amazon_pic.png?200 |AeroGarden Harvest}} |AeroGarden Harvest [(AeroGardenND)]|Indoor hydroponic plant growth|Semi-automated (light + reminders|Medium|LED lights, water system, basic alerts|Medium|99.95 €|Expensive over time (pods)| |{{ :report:aerogarden_amazon_pic.png?200 |AeroGarden Harvest}} |AeroGarden Harvest [(AeroGardenND)]|Indoor hydroponic plant growth|Semi-automated (light + reminders|Medium|LED lights, water system, basic alerts|Medium|99.95 €|Expensive over time (pods)|
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 <WRAP center round box 60%> <WRAP center round box 60%>
 <table tab:feedback> <table tab:feedback>
-<caption>Table showing different applications/systems already on the market</caption>+<caption>Comparison of focus and screen-time applications</caption>
 |**Application**|**Feedback type**|**Strength**| |**Application**|**Feedback type**|**Strength**|
 |Forest [(ForestAppND)]|Visual (virtual trees)|Highly engaging| |Forest [(ForestAppND)]|Visual (virtual trees)|Highly engaging|
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  • Last modified: 2026/06/13 16:21
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