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
Natural Cleaning Agent
Rice water is slightly acidic, making it great for cleaning glass, metal, and more.
“Rice is so common...[in China], so instead of wasting the water we use to wash rice, we collect it.”
- Sarah Wang, a health blogger
Source: Lambeth Hochwald’s article: “Rice Water Is the Magic Cleaner We’ve All Been Throwing Out”
Rice water contains essential NPK fertilizers for plants.
NPK Fertilizers:
Nitrogen – promotes leaf growth
Phosphorus – root development
Potassium – improve plant health
Plant Fertilizer
Source: “Rice Water Is Also Good for Plants.” National Nutrition Council, 21 Oct. 2021, nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/mindanao/region-ix-zamboanga-peninsula/6230-rice-water-is-also-good-for-plants.
Face Cleanser
Rice water contains powerful minerals and vitamins such as antioxidants and amino acids.
Benefits for Skin:
- Helps moisturize skin
- Decreases irritation
- Defends against signs of aging
Source: Levy, Jillian. “Rice Water for Hair & Skin: Does It Really Work?” Dr. Axe, 19 Apr. 2023, draxe.com/beauty/rice-water-for-hair/.
Inositol, an ingredient found in rice water, can repair damaged hair.
Benefits for Hair:
- Helps support hair growth
- Makes hair shinier and softer
- Detangles hair strands
Hair Wash
Source: Ladin, Brittany. “Rice Water for Hair: How to Make It and Benefits.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 29 Sept. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/rice-water.
Ways to Reuse Rice Water
Existing Products on the Market
Cuisinart Mesh Strainers, 3 Pack
$11.99 | 4.8/5 stars on Amazon
“Love the 3 different sizes and the handles are long so you can sit it on top of a pan or bowl.”
- Amazon Review
SimpleLif Quick Rice Washer
$12.58 | 3.6/5 stars on Amazon
“Takes a long time to rinse the rice.”
- Amazon Review
Inomata Rice Washing Bowl
$9.98 | 4.7/5 stars on Amazon
“...there are holes...from the bottom and slits on the top to drain the water.”
- Amazon Review
CALLARON Cooking Rice Pot
$32.19 | 3.0/5 stars on Amazon
“A decent pot to cook and wash rice.” - Amazon Review
JSCARES 304 - Steel Colander
$10.98 | 4.6/5 stars on Amazon
“I ordered this specifically to wash rice. It does that great... I’m sure I’ll find a lot more uses for it.”
- Amazon Review
Rice Washing Machine - RW 70
Industrial Machine (For Businesses)
RW 70 is an effective rice washing machine. Rice placed in the tank rotates in the swirling currents generated by the pumps.
Survey
Key Insights
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64% of participants wash their rice daily
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People often rinse their rice at least 1-4 times
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72% of people said they have reused rice water before
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The most popular way to reuse rice water is to water plants and as a facial cleanser
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
User Interview #1
Key Points
Observational Research
Interview #1
User Interview #2
Key Points
Observational Research
Interview #2
Opportunity Map
Jenna
50 years old | Female | Stay-at-Home Mom
"As a home cook who loves Asian cuisine, I find myself washing rice daily. Making the rice-washing process more simple and sustainable would be a great improvement."
21 years old | Female | College Student
"As a cooking newbie, I am looking for an easy-to-use, eco-friendly rice-washing solution that simplifies the process so I can try to create various rice dishes."
Emma
James
32 years old | Male | Software Engineer
"As someone with a busy work schedule, I’m searching for an efficient and easy-to-clean rice-washing solution to streamline my mornings. I also want to efficiently save the rice water to water my plants."
Exploring User Perspectives: 3 Personas
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
Test User 01
Preferred Concept 3:
Modular Lotus Petals
-
Chose Modular Lotus Petals for its better form and versatility
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Concept 2 can double as a fruit basket for display
-
Found the second concept too bulky
Trang
Helen
Test User 02
Preferred Concept 3:
Modular Lotus Petals
-
Chose Modular Lotus Petals for its unique and aesthetic design
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Improved design makes reusing rice water easier
-
Found the other concepts too heavy
Preferred Concept 2:
3 Piece Stacking Bowls
-
Likes 3 Piece Stacking Bowls for separating and reusing rice water
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Wide compartment simplifies washing
-
Suggests adding measurement lines
Test User 03
Dana
Kimberly
Test User 04
Preferred Concept 3:
Modular Lotus Petals
-
Chose Modular Lotus Petals for its visible rice water drainage
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Appreciates its aesthetic and versatile design
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Found the other concepts bulky and plain
User Testing Feedback on Refined Concepts
Main Prototype
Circular Form
Alternative Prototype
Oval Form
Proof-of-Concept Prototypes
Form Validation
I compared the forms of the main prototype and the alternative prototype to determine whether
people preferred the circular shape of the main prototype or the oval bowl shape for the rice washer.
User Testing
Collective Feedback For Prototypes
Common Likes:
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Convenient drainage method
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Spacious bowls; suitable for various uses
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Ability to wash rice easily without spillage
Common Dislikes:
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Small handles are hard to use
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Inconvenient placement of the strainer near spout
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Heavy material makes holding product difficult
Most people tend to prioritize ergonomic designs when considering product features for rice washing. Additionally, they like it when things are easy to clean.
Overall Form Preference: Round, circular bowl shape
Developing Final Design & Prototype
Prototyping Final Model
Coola Mini Fan
To make the high-fidelity model, I 3D-modeled the Mitaté Rice Washer in SolidWorks and 3D-printed all of the pieces. Then, I glued them together, filled in the holes with bondo, and sprayed primer. After smoothing out the surfaces with sandpaper, I painted the bowls with spray paint.
Reusing Rice Water
A Closer Look Inside
Wireframe & Cutaway
Exploded View
Manufacturing Process
All of the recycled polypropylene bowls will be injection molded. The measurement lines decal will be laser printed on the top plastic bowl.
Transform Rice Water
From Waste to Wellness
