Design Ideation

Introduction

This document details the design ideation for a new smart sprinkler controller. We began with a comprehensive brainstorm of features, which were then distilled into seven critical requirement clusters. These clusters formed the foundation for three distinct product concepts, each targeting a specific user. The following sections present these concepts and the collaborative process used to develop them.

Generating Ideas

Requirement	Feature	Detail
1. Unshakable WiFi & System Stability	Dual-Band WiFi Support	Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks to reduce interference and improve router compatibility.
1. Unshakable WiFi & System Stability	High-Gain Internal Antenna	Boosts signal reception for reliable connectivity in challenging locations like garages or basements.
1. Unshakable WiFi & System Stability	In-App Connection Diagnostics	A tool showing WiFi signal strength and server status to help users troubleshoot connection issues.
1. Unshakable WiFi & System Stability	Redundant Cloud Infrastructure	Utilizes multiple servers with automatic failover to prevent system-wide outages and ensure uptime.
1. Unshakable WiFi & System Stability	Adaptive Channel Switching	The device automatically changes WiFi channels to avoid network congestion and interference.
2. Graceful Offline Functionality	Onboard Schedule Memory	Stores the next 30 days of the watering schedule to run perfectly even without an internet connection.
2. Graceful Offline Functionality	Bluetooth Direct Connect Mode	Allows the app to connect directly to the controller via Bluetooth when WiFi or internet is unavailable.
2. Graceful Offline Functionality	Physical Control Buttons	Hardware buttons for ""Run Zone"" and ""Stop"" allow for essential manual control at any time.
2. Graceful Offline Functionality	Clear Offline Status Indicator	A dedicated LED light on the device (e.g., solid amber) clearly shows when it is offline.
2. Graceful Offline Functionality	""Back Online"" Push Notifications	The app automatically alerts the user's phone once the controller has reconnected after an outage.
3. Intelligent Self-Healing & Recovery	Automatic Reconnect Logic	After a power or internet loss, the device automatically re-establishes its connection and resumes the schedule.
3. Intelligent Self-Healing & Recovery	System Watchdog Processor	An internal monitor that automatically reboots the device if the main software becomes unresponsive.
3. Intelligent Self-Healing & Recovery	Multi-Network Credential Storage	Stores credentials for multiple WiFi networks (e.g., main, guest) and switches if the primary fails.
3. Intelligent Self-Healing & Recovery	Scheduled Self-Reboot	An optional weekly reboot during off-hours to clear memory and maintain peak performance.
3. Intelligent Self-Healing & Recovery	Proactive Troubleshooting Alerts	The system identifies recurring issues (like poor signal) and notifies the user with suggested solutions.
4. Transparent & Trustworthy Firmware Updates	Seamless Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates	Firmware updates are automatically downloaded and installed during non-watering hours.
4. Transparent & Trustworthy Firmware Updates	In-App Update History Log	Provides a clear list of all firmware updates and what changed in each version, written in plain language.
4. Transparent & Trustworthy Firmware Updates	Automatic Firmware Rollback	If a new update fails to install correctly, the device automatically reverts to the previous stable version.
4. Transparent & Trustworthy Firmware Updates	Pre-Update System Check	The device verifies it has a stable connection and power before beginning an update to prevent errors.
4. Transparent & Trustworthy Firmware Updates	Optional ""Beta Channel""	Allows advanced users to opt-in to test new features and provide feedback before public release.
5. Flawless Execution and Reporting	Detailed Watering History	An in-app log shows every time a zone ran, its duration, and the reason (scheduled, manual, etc.).
5. Flawless Execution and Reporting	Faulty Valve Detection	The system monitors electrical currents to detect wiring shorts or faulty solenoids and sends a specific alert.
5. Flawless Execution and Reporting	Start/Completion Push Notifications	The app sends optional alerts to the user's phone when a scheduled watering cycle starts and ends.
5. Flawless Execution and Reporting	Visual Monthly Usage Reports	Graphs water usage per zone and estimated savings, making the data easy to understand at a glance.
5. Flawless Execution and Reporting	Data Export Functionality	Allows users to export their watering history as a CSV file for detailed analysis or record-keeping.
6. Hyper-Local & Multi-Source Weather Intelligence	Personal Weather Station (PWS) Integration	Lets users link to a specific weather station in their neighborhood for the most accurate local data.
6. Hyper-Local & Multi-Source Weather Intelligence	Adjustable Weather Skips	User can set specific thresholds for skipping watering due to rain, high wind, or freezing temperatures.
6. Hyper-Local & Multi-Source Weather Intelligence	Multiple Professional Data Sources	Users can choose between several trusted weather providers or an aggregation of them for best results.
6. Hyper-Local & Multi-Source Weather Intelligence	In-App Weather Forecast	Displays the upcoming weather forecast directly within the app to help inform watering decisions.
6. Hyper-Local & Multi-Source Weather Intelligence	Smart Saturation Skip	Prevents watering if the ground is already saturated from previous rainfall, even if more rain isn't forecast.
7. Transparent and Adjustable Watering Algorithms	""Why?"" Algorithm Explanations	"The app explains schedule adjustments in simple terms	such as ""Watering was increased by 15% due to high heat."""
7. Transparent and Adjustable Watering Algorithms	Detailed Zone Characteristic Setup	Users can input soil type, plant type, sun exposure, and slope for a highly customized watering baseline.
7. Transparent and Adjustable Watering Algorithms	Simple Adjustment Sliders	Allows users to easily adjust the balance between ""Maximum Water Savings"" and ""Lush Green Lawn.""
7. Transparent and Adjustable Watering Algorithms	Automatic Cycle and Soak	Intelligently breaks up long watering times on slopes or in clay soil to prevent wasteful runoff.
7. Transparent and Adjustable Watering Algorithms	Manual Seasonal Adjustment	Allows users to apply a simple percentage-based adjustment (+/- %) to all watering schedules.
8. Proactive Extreme Weather Adjustments	""Heatwave Protect"" Mode	"Automatically adds a short	extra ""cool down"" cycle on extremely hot days to reduce plant stress."
8. Proactive Extreme Weather Adjustments	Real-Time Evapotranspiration (ET) Data	Calculates exactly how much water has been lost from the soil and applies only what is needed.
8. Proactive Extreme Weather Adjustments	Predictive Heatwave Scheduling	The system looks at the forecast and pre-waters the soil before a heatwave arrives to prepare plants.
8. Proactive Extreme Weather Adjustments	Weather Adjustment Notifications	The app sends a push notification to alert the user that a schedule change was made due to weather.
8. Proactive Extreme Weather Adjustments	User-Definable Temperature Thresholds	Lets the user decide what temperature constitutes a ""freeze"" or ""heatwave"" in their specific climate.
9. Seamless Integration of External Sensors	Dedicated Sensor Terminals	Hardware includes clearly labeled ports for both wired rain sensors and wired soil moisture sensors.
9. Seamless Integration of External Sensors	Wireless Sensor Compatibility	Built-in radio (e.g., Bluetooth LE, LoRa) supports popular third-party wireless soil moisture sensors.
9. Seamless Integration of External Sensors	Real-Time Sensor Data Display	The app shows live data from connected sensors, such as current soil moisture percentage.
9. Seamless Integration of External Sensors	Flow Meter Integration	Supports connecting a flow meter to measure exact water usage in gallons and detect potential leaks.
9. Seamless Integration of External Sensors	Per-Zone Sensor Assignment	Allows the user to specify which sensor's data should apply to which watering zones for precision control.
10. Actionable Water Usage Reporting	""Gallons Saved"" Dashboard Widget	The app's home screen shows an estimate of water saved this month compared to a basic timer.
10. Actionable Water Usage Reporting	Estimated Monetary Savings	Users can input their local water cost to translate gallons saved into an estimated dollar amount.
10. Actionable Water Usage Reporting	Month-Over-Month Comparison Charts	Visual charts compare the current month's water usage to the previous month or the same month last year.
10. Actionable Water Usage Reporting	""Top Water-Using Zones"" Report	Helps users identify which zones are consuming the most water and may need adjustment.
10. Actionable Water Usage Reporting	Downloadable Annual Report	Provides a year-end summary of total water used and saved, which can be used for utility rebate applications.
11. Guided, Foolproof Installation Process	In-App Video Tutorials	Step-by-step videos are embedded directly into the app's installation guide for easy reference.
11. Guided, Foolproof Installation Process	""Copy My Wires"" Photo Guidance	The app uses the phone's camera to analyze the old controller's wiring and guide the new setup.
11. guided, Foolproof Installation Process	Tool-less Push-in Terminals	Wires are connected by simply pushing them into secure, spring-loaded terminals instead of using a screwdriver.
11. guided, Foolproof Installation Process	""Test All Zones"" Function	A one-touch function at the end of setup that runs each zone for one minute to confirm correct wiring.
11. guided, Foolproof Installation Process	Built-in Bubble Level	A small level integrated into the hardware casing helps the user mount the device perfectly straight.
12. An Intuitive, Uncluttered Mobile App	Customizable Home Screen Dashboard	Users can drag and drop their most-used zones or controls to the app's main screen for quick access.
12. An Intuitive, Uncluttered Mobile App	One-Tap Manual Start/Stop	A large, prominent button allows users to quickly start or stop watering without navigating menus.
12. An Intuitive, Uncluttered Mobile App	""Quick Delay"" Button	Easily postpone all watering for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 1 week with a single tap.
12. An Intuitive, Uncluttered Mobile App	Natural Language Scheduling	"In addition to advanced options	users can create schedules with simple commands like ""Water on Tuesdays at 6 AM."""
12. An Intuitive, Uncluttered Mobile App	Dark Mode Interface	A dark theme option for the app to reduce eye strain and save battery life on OLED screens.
13. Truly Flexible & Granular Scheduling	Per-Zone Schedule Assignment	Allows different zones (e.g., lawn vs. garden) to be on completely different watering plans.
13. Truly Flexible & Granular Scheduling	Flexible Day Scheduling	Supports scheduling on specific days of the week, odd/even days, or at custom intervals (e.g., every 3 days).
13. Truly Flexible & Granular Scheduling	""Watering Windows"" Restriction	Lets users define allowed watering times (e.g., between 4 AM and 8 AM) to comply with local rules.
13. Truly Flexible & Granular Scheduling	Custom Zone Naming and Photos	"Users can name each zone (e.g.	"Front Lawn"") and assign a photo for easy identification.
13. Truly Flexible & Granular Scheduling	Unlimited Program Start Times	Allows for multiple watering start times per day on any given schedule, ideal for new seeds.
14. Clear System Feedback and Confirmation	Haptic App Feedback	The user's phone provides a small vibration to confirm that a button press was successful.
14. Clear System Feedback and Confirmation	""Last Action"" Home Screen Status	"The app's main screen clearly displays the last completed action	like ""Zone 4 finished at 6:15 AM."""
14. Clear System Feedback and Confirmation	Multi-Color LED Status Light	A light on the physical controller uses different colors to indicate its status (e.g., blue for watering, green for idle).
14. Clear System Feedback and Confirmation	""Schedule Saved!"" Pop-up	A clear confirmation message appears in the app after any changes to a watering schedule are saved.
14. Clear System Feedback and Confirmation	Audible Command Chime	The physical controller can emit a brief, soft chime to confirm it has received a manual command from the app.
15. App-Only Security with Guest Access	""Control Panel Lock"" Toggle	A setting in the app that disables all the physical buttons on the controller to prevent tampering.
15. App-Only Security with Guest Access	Role-Based ""Landscaper Access""	The owner can grant temporary access to a landscaper with limited permissions (e.g., manual run only).
15. App-Only Security with Guest Access	Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)	Secures the primary user account by requiring a code from a phone or email in addition to the password.
15. App-Only Security with Guest Access	User Activity Log	An in-app log shows which user (owner or guest) initiated each watering action and when.
15. App-Only Security with Guest Access	Critical Change Email Notifications	The system sends an email to the primary account holder for important changes like a password reset.
16. High-Quality, Durable Hardware Design	IP54+ Weather-Resistant Enclosure	The hardware casing is rated to protect against dust and splashing water, making it safe for outdoor installation.
16. High-Quality, Durable Hardware Design	UV-Stabilized Plastic Construction	The plastic casing is designed to resist yellowing, becoming brittle, and cracking when exposed to direct sunlight.
16. High-Quality, Durable Hardware Design	Magnetic Front Cover	The front cover snaps into place with magnets, providing easy, tool-free access to the wiring terminals.
16. High-Quality, Durable Hardware Design	Spring-Loaded Wire Terminals	Provides a more secure and reliable connection than traditional screws, which can loosen over time.
16. High-Quality, Durable Hardware Design	Integrated Cord Management	The back of the controller has built-in posts or channels for neatly wrapping and hiding the excess power cord.
17. Modular & Scalable Zone Expansion	Plug-and-Play Expansion Modules	Users can easily add more zones (e.g., in 8-zone increments) by plugging in a simple hardware module.
17. Modular & Scalable Zone Expansion	Automatic Module Detection	Once an expansion module is plugged in, the software automatically detects it and adds the new zones to the app.
17. Modular & Scalable Zone Expansion	Daisy-Chain Capability	Allows multiple expansion modules to be connected in series to support a large number of zones.
17. Modular & Scalable Zone Expansion	High Maximum Zone Count	The base controller is designed to support a high total number of zones (e.g., 24 or more) with add-ons.
17. Modular & Scalable Zone Expansion	Adequately Sized Power Supply	The included power adapter is rated to handle the electrical load of a fully expanded system.
18. Compact and Lightweight Form Factor	Slim, Low-Profile Design	The controller is significantly smaller than legacy models, allowing it to be installed in tighter spaces.
18. Compact and Lightweight Form Factor	External ""Power Brick"" Adapter	Using an external power adapter keeps the main controller unit slimmer, cooler, and lighter.
18. Compact and Lightweight Form Factor	Universal Mounting Plate	The included mounting bracket has multiple screw hole patterns to match those of older, larger controllers.
18. Compact and Lightweight Form Factor	Lightweight Construction	The device weighs less than one pound, making it easy for a single person to hold and install.
18. Compact and Lightweight Form Factor	Modern Internal Components	Uses smaller, more efficient electronic components to reduce the overall physical footprint of the device.
19. Built-in Pump Relay/Master Valve Support	Dedicated ""M/P"" Terminal	A clearly labeled terminal that can be configured in the software to control either a master valve or a pump relay.
19. Built-in Pump Relay/Master Valve Support	""Pump Prime Delay"" Setting	A software option that allows the user to set a delay between the pump turning on and the zone valve opening.
19. Built-in Pump Relay/Master Valve Support	Over-Current Circuit Protection	Protects the controller from damage in case of a short circuit in the master valve or pump relay wiring.
19. Built-in Pump Relay/Master Valve Support	Per-Zone Master Valve Assignment	Allows the user to specify that the master valve should only activate for certain zones, not all of them.
19. Built-in Pump Relay/Master Valve Support	In-App Wiring Diagrams	The app provides clear, easy-to-follow diagrams for wiring a master valve or pump relay correctly.
20. Proactive & Accessible Customer Support	24/7 In-App Live Chat	Provides access to live support agents directly through a chat function within the mobile app, day or night.
20. Proactive & Accessible Customer Support	Remote Diagnostic Access	Allows a support agent (with the user's explicit permission) to view system logs to quickly diagnose problems.
20. Proactive & Accessible Customer Support	Searchable In-App Knowledge Base	A library of help articles and FAQs is built into the app, allowing users to find answers instantly.
20. Proactive & Accessible Customer Support	""Request a Call"" Feature	Lets a user request a phone call from the next available support agent without having to wait on hold.
20. Proactive & Accessible Customer Support	Proactive System Health Alerts	The system automatically emails a user with solutions if it detects a recurring problem like a faulty zone.
21. Reliable Smart Home Integration	Official Alexa and Google Assistant Skills	Certified integrations allow for reliable voice control to start, stop, and delay watering.
21. Reliable Smart Home Integration	Apple HomeKit Support	Allows for control via Siri and integration into the Apple Home app for scenes and automations.
21. Reliable Smart Home Integration	IFTTT (If This Then That) Service	Enables users to create powerful custom automations linking the sprinkler to other apps and devices.
21. Reliable Smart Home Integration	Smart Home Routine Integration	"The controller can be included as a step in a larger smart home routine (e.g.	a ""Vacation"" routine)."
21. Reliable Smart Home Integration	Publicly Available API	A documented API allows developers and advanced users to create their own custom integrations.
22. Clear, Comprehensive Documentation	Illustrated Quick Start Guide	A printed guide with large diagrams and minimal text to get the user started quickly.
22. Clear, Comprehensive Documentation	On-Device QR Codes	QR codes on the hardware link a user's phone directly to specific installation videos or help articles.
22. Clear, Comprehensive Documentation	In-App Informational Tooltips	Users can tap on small ""?"" icons throughout the app to get a simple explanation of what each setting does.
22. Clear, Comprehensive Documentation	Searchable Online Manual	A full, searchable digital manual covers everything from basic setup to advanced topics and troubleshooting.
22. Clear, Comprehensive Documentation	Context-Sensitive Help	The app can suggest relevant help articles based on the specific screen the user is currently viewing.
23. Competitive and Transparent Pricing	""No Subscription Required"" Guarantee	All core smart watering and weather-based features are included with the purchase price of the device.
23. Competitive and Transparent Pricing	Tiered Product Models	The controller is offered in different zone counts (e.g., 8-zone, 12-zone) so customers don't overbuy.
23. Competitive and Transparent Pricing	Online Utility Rebate Calculator	The product website has a tool to help customers find and apply for local water conservation rebates.
23. Competitive and Transparent Pricing	Clear Accessory Pricing	The cost for expansion modules and other accessories is clearly stated with no hidden fees.
23. Competitive and Transparent Pricing	Certified Refurbished Program	Offers officially refurbished units at a discount, providing a lower-cost entry point for customers.
24. Fair and Clear Return/Warranty Policy	3+ Year Hardware Warranty	"A long-term	"no-hassle"" warranty that shows the company stands behind its product's quality.
24. Fair and Clear Return/Warranty Policy	30-Day Money-Back Guarantee	A satisfaction guarantee that allows a customer to return the product for any reason within 30 days.
24. Fair and Clear Return/Warranty Policy	Simple Online Warranty Claim Form	An easy-to-use online form allows customers to file a warranty claim without a long phone call.
24. Fair and Clear Return/Warranty Policy	Advanced Replacement Option	For warranty claims, a new unit is shipped immediately to minimize downtime for the customer.
24. Fair and Clear Return/Warranty Policy	Plain Language Policy Document	The full warranty policy is written in simple, easy-to-understand language and is readily accessible.
25. Ethical Use of Data	In-App Privacy Dashboard	A section in the app that clearly shows what data is being collected and gives the user control over it.
25. Ethical Use of Data	One-Click Data Deletion	A simple button allows a user to permanently erase their account and all associated data from the servers.
25. Ethical Use of Data	Opt-In for Data Sharing	Users must explicitly opt-in to share anonymized watering data to help improve the system's algorithms.
25. Ethical Use of Data	No-Sale-of-Data Pledge	A public commitment from the company that it will not sell user data to third-party marketing companies.
25. Ethical Use of Data	Regular Security Audits	The company performs and publishes results from regular third-party security audits of its systems.

Sort, Rank, and Group

We narrowed the original 25 groups down to the 7 most critical requirement clusters. These clusters capture the top features and values that will drive product development. In creating them, we grouped related ideas, prioritized the most impactful ones, and focused on what directly supports a water-efficient and user-friendly system. The table below presents these clusters along with representative features and the core value each delivers.

Group	Key Features / Ideas	Core Value
Smart Water Management	- Hyper-local weather data (multi-source forecasts) - Soil moisture & rain sensors - Extreme weather auto-adjustments	Saves water and directly lowers the water bill
Actionable Water Reporting	- Daily/weekly/monthly water reports - Estimated bill savings - Gamified “water saved” goals	Makes water savings visible and rewarding
Ease of Use & Setup	- Guided installation (QR scan + app walkthrough) - Simple, uncluttered mobile app -Audio feedback - One-tap scheduling, visual feedback	Anyone can set up and use it easily
Durability & Reliability	- Weatherproof, UV-resistant outdoor casing (IP67) - Self-healing software (auto-restart, rollback updates) - Offline fallback scheduling	"Always works, even in tough conditions"
Flexible Scheduling & Control	- Per-zone scheduling - Seasonal templates + sunrise/sunset triggers - Voice assistant integration (Alexa/Google/HomeKit)	Full control without complexity
Cost Efficiency & Pricing	- Clear tiered pricing - ROI calculator (“Save up to X% on your bill in 1 year”)	Affordable and obviously worth it
Trust & Ethics	- No data selling, encrypted storage - Transparent firmware updates (logs + rollback) - Fair warranty & customer support	Builds long-term trust and brand reputation

Product Concepts

Concept 1

The Essential Smart Water Saver is designed with affordability, simplicity, and water savings in mind, making it ideal for budget-conscious homeowners. It offers easy installation with app-based guidance and QR code setup for convenience. Users can benefit from flexible per-zone scheduling and seasonal templates, along with offline fallback schedules that ensure reliability. The system also provides daily and weekly water usage reports, including estimated bill savings, giving homeowners clear insights into their consumption. This solution is tailored for individuals new to smart irrigation who seek a simple, cost-effective way to manage their water use efficiently. Additionally, the system uses a modular design with detachable sensors and sprinkler modules so components can be replaced easily and upgraded as newer, compatible sensors become available, improving serviceability and future‑proofing the platform.

Concept 2

The Adaptive Smart Lawn Manager focuses on smarter water management by integrating hyper local weather forecasts and sensor data, all while keeping setup simple. It automatically adjusts for extreme conditions with features like storm skip, freeze protection, and drought mode. To build user trust, it offers transparent and customizable watering algorithms, complemented by an intuitive mobile app that provides clear system feedback. The device is built with durable, weatherproof hardware to ensure long-lasting reliability. This solution is aimed at homeowners who prioritize sustainability and want to see measurable water savings without compromising on ease of use.

Concept 3

TThe Connected Smart Ecosystem is a premium, fully integrated solution designed for tech-savvy homeowners and large-lawn users. It seamlessly connects with smart home platforms such as Alexa, Google, and HomeKit, while also supporting IFTTT automation for broader ecosystem integration. The system is highly scalable, with modular zone expansion to suit larger properties, and provides advanced water usage analytics paired with an ROI calculator to highlight cost efficiency and transparency. Built on a foundation of trust, it ensures ethical data use with encrypted storage, while proactive customer support, clear warranties, and transparent pricing provide added assurance. This concept is tailored for tech enthusiasts, early adopters, and property managers who prioritize integration, scalability, and long-term reliability.

Documentation

The Process of Our Brainstorm Session

Our whole team ie. Raj, Isaiah, Myles and Liam—participated equally in our brainstorm session, which we held on Discord. Our process was a collaborative effort from start to finish. We began by having everyone write down their own ideas on paper to get a wide range of thoughts. Then, we came together as a group to share and build on them. Liam collected everyone's notes into one document so nothing was lost. To keep things moving, we each took a primary focus: Liam led the idea generation, Isaiah organized the ideas, and Raj did the concepts.

Guiding Our Ideas

To make sure our ideas were relevant and targeted, we used a few key resources to guide our thinking. We grounded our brainstorm in our previous project assignments, specifically the User Needs, Benchmarking, and Product Requirements documents. To get an outside perspective, we also dug into Amazon product reviews to understand what real customers were saying. We even used some AI tools to help us sort through that feedback and spot important patterns.

Organizing the Results

Once we had all our ideas, we needed to make sense of them. First, we organized them into clusters based on common themes, like putting all the water-saving ideas in one group. After grouping them, we ranked the ideas based on which ones would have the biggest impact for the user. We gave top priority to features that improved water efficiency and were user-friendly, helping us focus on what would deliver the most value.

Access our brainstroming notes here (PDF instead of Snapshots)

Conclusion

The team selected Concept 1 (Essential Smart Water Saver) because it aligns with course scope while delivering core goals of reliability and water savings. To remain in scope, on-device interaction will use simple physical controls (potentiometer and push button) instead of a screen or full mobile app. The system will follow a centralized hub-and-spoke architecture with modular, detachable sensors and actuator/sprinkler modules, enabling straightforward replacement, upgrades as new sensors become available, and scalable integration as the system grows. In the future, we aim to enhance user interaction by developing a companion mobile application. The goal is for users to access essential functions directly through the device’s physical controls, while using the app for advanced features such as zone-specific watering, monitoring water consumption, and adjusting schedules. The device body will be constructed from a durable plastic material to ensure cost-effectiveness, weather resistance, and ease of manufacturing.