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Jan 2024 - Mar 2024 | 8 weeks
Mitaté Rice Washer
The Mitaté Rice Washer, made from recycled plastic, simplifies washing rice with its eco-friendly design. It features a strainer and bowls to collect and store rice water for sustainable use.
Sustainability
Ideation
Prototyping
Project Type /
University Individual Project
Brief
Students will create a Life-Centered Design solution addressing a real-world problem, focusing on function, aesthetics, ergonomics, cost, and sustainability.
The Issue of Water Scarcity
Water is one of the most important components of rice production
Rice cultivation accounts for 34–43% of global irrigation water use
Water demand is projected to increase 55% globally by 2050
According to UNESCO,
Over 2 billion people worldwide will face water scarcity by 2050
To address water scarcity, we can increase water availability through wastewater recycling
A significant wastewater source in every household is washed rice water
Ways to Reuse Rice Water
Recycled Polypropylene Plastic (rPP)
Sustainable Material Research
Using rPP helps reduce hundreds of kilograms of plastic waste sent to landfills.
Compared to regular plastics, rPP consumes:
- 88% less energy
- 46% less water
- 71% less CO2
Meet the Interviewees
Conducting User Research
Opportunity Map
Moodboard
Form & Style Inspiration
For the product's aesthetic and form, I wanted it to be minimal, organic, smooth, and sleek, using a monotone color palette.
What's the Main Problem?
Many adults who frequently wash rice at home waste a significant amount of water and find it inconvenient to collect the rice water for reuse. Existing rice-washing products lack efficiency, ergonomics, and sustainable features, contributing to water wastage.
What's the Design Goal?
I will design a product that helps adults who frequently wash rice minimize their water wastage and conveniently collect rice water for reuse during their rice-washing process at home so that they can be more eco-friendly and efficient in the kitchen.
Form Exploration
20 Ideation Sketches
Filtered Rice Pitcher
Refined Concept #1
3 Piece Stacking Bowls
Refined Concept #2
Modular Lotus Petals
Refined Concept #3
Developing Final Design & Prototype
Reusing Rice Water
Transform Rice Water
From Waste to Wellness
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