Joseph Stone

Hydro Voyage

Bachelor of Design Product Design Design for Health & Wellbeing Design for Sustainability Play Education
AD24 Award
Outstanding Y3 Project - runner up
Thoughtfull Award for Excellence in Industrial Design - runner up

Hydro Voyage is an educational hydroponic toy for children aged 5 and older, designed to inspire an early interest in gardening. With the world’s population expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050—68% of people living in urban areas—traditional soil gardening may be limited by space constraints and food demands. Hydroponic systems, known for their efficient growth rates and yields, offer a practical solution in compact environments.

In Hydro Voyage, children load boats with seeds and set them on a journey, observing microgreens like mustard, rocket, and cress grow in a colourful, pastel-themed hydroponic setup. This hands-on experience teaches children about plant growth and nutrition, blending play with valuable knowledge about sustainable food practices.

By combining fun with learning, Hydro Voyage encourages children to explore the possibilities of hydroponic gardening through an engaging boat journey, fostering environmental awareness and preparing them for a future in sustainable horticulture.