Blossom
A public feeder system designed to protect monarch butterfly habitats
2023
Sustainable design
Blossom is a public feeder system designed to expand monarch butterfly habitats by introducing milkweed into people’s backyards through a service system of feeders, plantable photos embedded with milkweed seeds, and a community app.
Background
Milkweed reduction is the primary threat to monarch butterfly populations, as it is the only host plant required for their reproduction.
How might we expand monarch butterfly habitats in urban environments by enabling people to plant milkweed?
insight
People lack accessible information and interaction with monarch butterflies. Without clear guidance and a point of entry, people rarely take action. Small patches of habitats are often overlooked in monarch conservation efforts.
Opportunity
Enable individuals to introduce milkweed into existing gardens and urban green spaces by drawing attention in public spaces and lowering the barriers to planting milkweed.
EXPLORATion
Five independent trays
Facing five different directions
Refinement
parametric design
The feeder features distinctive parametric-designed trays that create multiple landing and feeding surfaces, encouraging butterfly interaction while giving the installation a recognizable visual identity.
Final Design
Each feeder has five petal-shaped trays, each tray has a camera on top of it. Each camera is paired with a
dedicated printer. The bright colors and textures of the petal-like trays are designed to attract butterflies while drawing the attention of visitors.
Exploded view
Blossom
Blossom is a public feeder system designed to expand monarch butterfly habitats by introducing milkweed into people’s backyards through a service system of feeders, plantable photos embedded with milkweed seeds, and a community app.
APP WIREFRAME
The Map tool displays the locations of nearby monarch butterfly sightings and camera feeders, helping users discover local habitats and installations.
The Explore page allows users to record observations of monarch butterflies, contribute valuable data, and participate in conservation programs and community activities.
The Camera tool helps users identify pollinators and other insects. Users can then upload their observations to support citizen science and habitat monitoring efforts.
User Journey
Users can use the app to locate nearby camera feeders in public parks and gardens. The plantable photo simplifies the process of growing milkweed at home or in pots. With the app and plants enable people to observe and support monarch butterflies over time.
