2019 Service Design

Hive & Harvest

PROJECT OVERVIEW
How might we speculate alternative and equitable worlds for the pollinators (bees) while retaining their mutual relationship with nature and human
FOCUS                                                                                                                         ANTHROPOCENE AGE
DURATION                                                                                                                                             2  WEEKS

01 CONTEXT

The declining populations of pollinators, particularly bees, pose a significant threat to biodiversity and food security globally.
In India, where agriculture is heavily dependent on pollination services, this crisis has far-reaching implications for both ecological balance and the livelihoods of many.
Around 70% of the crops grown here are dependent on pollinators. This includes key crops such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which significantly contribute to the agricultural economy.
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India is home to over 1,500 species of bees, including important native species like the Indian honeybee (Apis cerana) and several bumblebee species. The loss of these diverse pollinator species threatens ecosystem stability, highlighting the urgency of addressing the challenges.

02 IDENTIFY

Mixed honey with insignificant beneficial qualities for commercial sale
Invasive foreign species + pesticides
Lack of protective equipment and tools
Shifting hives and paying lease for flower blooming season
The aim is to provide a continued return value from the hive for the beekeepers and hence encourage beekeeping.

03 MARKET RESEARCH

Key players in the honey industry
Key factors driving the market‍
-  Consumer shift towards nutritious, natural alternatives to sugar
-  Traction towards healthy sped, drinks, cereal
-  Home remedy for ailments (respiratory tract infections)
-  Cuisine preparation
Opportunity Areas‍
-  Poller, propolis, royal jelly and bee venom marketable items
-  New structure to support honey harvest e.g. educational trips to farms
Security and Recognition
-  8% Growth rate from 2019 to 2025, reaching 14.43 billion USD by 2025 Beneficial for landless farmers - currently approx. 250,000 employed
-  Potential status of farmers given by government
-  An overlooking body Honey and Pollinators Board of India under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare

04 PATHS

1. Beehive & Tools Design
Protective clothing in pale colors to deter aggressive bees. Additionally, created from UV-reflective and scent-resistant fabrics to further reduce attraction.
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Bee smoker made up of coconut fibers, inspired by traditional practices in Kerala.
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Easy to clean materials to facilitate regular maintenance, addressing concerns related to pheromone retention.

This concept prioritizes beekeeper comfort and safety.
2. Incorporate Vertical Farming
Integrating bee colonies within vertical farms, which can be situated outdoors to provide natural light and conditions conducive to pollination.

Incorporating bees in the distribution of naturally occurring, inoculating fungus during their foraging cycles as an alternative to chemical pesticides.

This approach enhances crop health and yield while supporting bee populations. By merging these two agricultural practices, the aim is to create a resilient and efficient food production system that promotes sustainability.
3. By-products Business
Producing biodegradable paper made from biologic cotton blended with beeswax, pine resin, and jojoba oil, resulting in a sustainable product with antiseptic and thermoforming properties.

This concept would establish a circular economy by partnering with sustainable cotton suppliers and local beekeepers, utilizing waste cattle feed to enhance hive productivity. By developing marketable by-products like royal jelly, pollen, and beeswax for health and cosmetic uses, it would foster local economic growth while promoting biodiversity.

Additionally, engage the community through workshops on sustainable practices, and position itself as a leader in eco-friendly innovations.

05 PERSONAS

Goals
•  Expand hive locations  
•  Ensure year-round foraging  

Pain Points
•  Limited urban foraging options  
•  Seasonal gaps in nectar flow  
•  Complex logistics of hive transport
Goals
•  Increase crop yield  
•  Maintain organic certification  
•  Build sustainable partnerships-

Pain Points
•  Manual pollination is time-consuming  
•  Difficulty finding reliable pollination partners  
•  Complex scheduling with multiple crops

05 SERVICE

Core Features
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•  Intelligent Matching System
        Location-based pairing  
        Compatibility scoring  
        Schedule alignment  
        Capacity matching
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‍•  Monitoring Dashboard
        Pollination tracking    
        Yield analytics  
        Hive health metrics  
        Environmental conditions
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‍•  Partnership Management
        Digital contracts
        Schedule coordination  
        Communication tools  
        Resource sharing
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‍•  Knowledge Hub  
        Best practices  
        Training resources  
        Community forums  
        Expert consultations