This chapter relates to Bloem's development process, showing how the main ideas behind the machine evolved over time to become a complete system. It begins with the ideation and conceptual stages, where initial sketches and preliminary designs are analyzed to show the transition from a creative vision to a functional solution. This is followed by a detailed design phase that includes the physical structure, smart systems and packaging.

To provide a clear view of the project, external programs, tables, and images are used to justify technical and material choices, including a fuctional analysis of the system's components. Finally, the chapter concludes with the prototyping stage and the tests performed to evaluate the final product.

The development of the project began with an initial selection phase, where we were presented with twelve potential themes covering a wide range of challenges. After an internal review, we narrowed the focus down to the three areas that best aligned with our intrests: Smartification of Everyday Objects (Smart Cities), Smart Health and Well-being (Smart Health), and Smart Marine Habitat Structures (Sustainable Environment).

Ultimately, we decided to proceed with smartification of everyday objects within the framework of Smart Cities. This choice was the result of strategic assesment of our teams's profile. As an international and interdisciplinary group, we recognized that our diverse backgrounds provided us with a unique combination of skills and technical knowledge. We concluded that the Smart Cities gave us the best opportunity to combine our knowledge and work together effectively to create a unique solution.

Due to the broad nature of the Smart Cities theme, our initial brainstorming session generated a wide variety of ideas. After an initial screening, we focused our research on three specific concepts:

· A smart dehumidifier designed to collect ambient moisture and repurpose the water to automatically irrigate indoor plants.

· External facade panels aimed at improving the thermal insulation of buildings to mantain cooler temperatures more efficiently.

· A micro-break capsule specifically designed for employees to rest and recharge during work hours.

To organice our thoughts to evaluate these options, we used Miro, a collaborative digital tool that allowed us to visualize the pros and cons of each proposal. As shown in Figure 1, we mapped out the potential impact and technical feasibility of each idea.

After weighing the strenghts and weaknesses of each concept, we ultimately decided to move fordward with the micro-break capsule. We found that this area was the least explored compared to the others, meaning there was significantly less existing competition in the market. This provided us with a unique opportunity to combine our different skills into a single project that addresses a real gap in urban well-being, allowing us to create something truly original.

Once the micro-break capsule was chosen as our final concept, we moved into a Design Thinking phase to explore its phisical form. To do this, we developed five quick sketches, each representing a different approach to how the capsule could look and function. These initial ideas, shown in Figure 2, allowed us to visualize various layouts and user experiences.

· The Onion Pod: A private, fully enclosed room that prioritizes total isolation, though it requires a significant amount of floor space.

· The Wide Lounge: A large and spacious horizontal structure designed for maximum comfort, focusing on internal volume.

· The Minimalist Tipi: A practical and nature-inspired design that uses a minimalist aesthetic to create a calm, functional retreat.

· The Open Swivel: A cost-effective and compact chair system designed for very short breaks, though it lacks the privacy of a closed system.

· The Hanging Capsule: A smaller, suspended unit designed as a closed retreat, offering a sense of weightlessness while saving floor space.

As we did in the braisntorming stage, we carefully analyzed the pros and cons of each sketch. We considered factors such as user comfort, the space required in an office setting, and the tecnical feasibility of the structure.

After comparing the different designs, we ultimately chose the full-body capsule model. This design allows a person to step inside and remain standing, providing enough room to stretch, move slightly, or practice meditation in private. We decided that this spacious configuration was the most effective way to help users disconnect from workplace stress and focus on their physical and mental well-being.

The final concept developed for this project is an egg-shaped capsule designed to integrate seamlessly into modern corporative environments, such as large halls or corridors. Our goal was to create a private sanctuary for “micro-breaks” during long working hours, a space where employees can scape the pressure of the office to perform a “power nap”, meditate, strech or even release tension in total privacy.

The structure is dimensioned to be inclusive, providing enough space for a person to of average height to stand, lie down, or practice yoga confortably. A core principle of design is total isolation. The capsule is engineered to be both visually and acoustically opaque, ensuring that nothing can be seen or heard from the outside, and vice versa. This crates a true “break from the world” for the user.

Functionality is also integrated into the exterior through a smart lighting system that iluminates when the capsule is occupied, signaling to others that the space is in use. Furthermore, Bloem is designed to be part of a larger digital ecosystem; it will be liked to a user interface for reservations and can provide helpful “newsletters” or guidance on mental healh and physical well-being. This ensures the capsule is not just a physical space but a proactive tool for workplace health.

This section details the conceptual framework of Bloem, outlining how various elements converge to create a private sanctuary for workplace well-being. The process begins with the definition of the corporate identity, where the development of the logo and color palette establishes a cohesive visual language. From there, the focus shifts to the evolution of the user interface, tracing the journey from the sketches to the final prototypes.

A central part of this visualization, is the integration of the capsule's physical design with its smart functionalities. Particular emphasis is placed on the occupancy signaling system and the structural aesthetics that allow Bloem to function as a seamless addition to corporate environments. By combining digital reservation tools with a specialized physical enclosure, the project is shaped into a dynamic solution for mental and physical health. Each component, from the external lighting to the internal ergonomics, contributes to the overall success and functionality of the platform.

The Bloem logo is designed to be simple and meaningful, combining three main ideas into one icon. A flower petal, a person meditating, and the letter “B”. By merging the human shape with the petal, the logo clearly shows our goal: helping people “bloom” and feel better at work. We used soft, rounded edges instead of sharp corners to make the brand feel safe and welcoming. This cleanlook works perfectly on everything from small phone screens to the side of the physical capsule, keeping the brand looking professional and modern.

The Bloem color palette is designed to communicate a balance between professional stability and organic tranquility. By utilizing a range of desaturated, nature-inspired tones, the brand establishes a visual language that feels both sophisticated and calming. The identity relies on a specific hierarchy of colors that ensures the brand remains versatile while consistently evoking a sense of peace.

The lighter shades, Plaster and Mist, serve as the brand's primary background tones. They provide a clean, airy feel that represents openness and clarity, allowing the brand to exist comfortably within modern corporate aesthetics without appearing aggressive. These are complemented by the core botanical tones, Moss and Eucalyptus, which ground the identity in its natural roots. These greens are strategically chosen to symbolize growth and renewal, creating a “natural refuge” within the visual identity that invites the audience to slow down and breathe.

To complete the palette, Soot is used as the foundational anchor for typography and structural brand elements. This deep charcoal provides the necessary weight and high-end contrast, ensuring that the brand is perceived as premium, reliable, and professional entity. Together, these five tones create a harmonious ecosystem that reinforces the Bloem promise “a space where human well-being and professional life can coexist in perfect balance”.

The design of Bloem centers on a philosophy of “Organic Minimalism”, where fluid shapes and high-performance materials work together to support the user's well-being. By stepping away from the sharp, rigid lines of traditional office furniture, we have created a form that feels naturally protective and inviting. This softer approach is more than just an aesthetic choice, it's a deliberate way to signal safety and relaxation the moment a person sees it.

The effectiveness of the design relies heavily on its materiality. Every surface and texture is chosen to create a true sensory escape, using advanced acoustic shielding to block out the noise and sustainable, tactile finishes to provide physical confort.

The skeletal framework of Bloem draws deep inspiration from traditional Japanese joinery, a caftsmanship philosophy that prioritizes the assembly of wooden structures without the use of nails, screws, or industrial adhesives. By relying on interlocking joints, the structure benefits from a superior level of durability and flexibility. Unlike rigid mechanical fasteners that can weaken wood over time, these traditional techniques allow the material to expand and contract naturally, ensuring a long-lasting structural integrity. As seen in figure 6 the structural drawings, the capsule is built around a series of vertical wooden ribs that converge at a central ring. This “puzzle like” assembly that is both an engineering feat and a warm, organic alternative to industrial frames.

This structural choice is also fundamental commitment to sustainability and circular design. By eliminating metal fasteners and chemical adhesives, the capsule becomes a mono-material system that is significantly easier to disassemble and recycle at the end of its life cycle. This design ensures that each wooden component can be individually repaired or repurposed without damaging the rest of the frame, drastically reducing the project's carbon footprint. Ultimatelly, by merging ancestral assembly techniques with modern professional needs, the structure of Bloem stands as a durable, low-impact solution that respects both natural resources and high-quality craftmanship.

Add and explain thoroughly the: (i) initial structural drafts; (ii) material selection; (iii) detailed drawings; (iv) 3D model with load and stress analysis; (v) colour palette.

Figure 7 shows the block diagram of the capsule system. At its core is a microcontroller, which is connected to a RGB LED strip and light sensor. All components are powered by an external power supply. The microcontroller communicates wirelessly with an application via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi. The application acts as the central control hub, managing communication with the ESP32 and thereby controlling the lighting system. In addition, the app connects to a Bluetooth speaker to provide audio within the capsule.

To determine the most suitable components for the system, a comparative analysis was conducted. Multiple components were evaluated based on key parameters such as performance, functionality, and size. The following tabels presents a comparison of microcontrollers and LED strips. This comparison forms the basis for the final selection of components used in the project.

Based on this analysis, we have chosen the ESP32 Dev Module. It offers a high processor speed and provides excellent flexibility for connecting sensors while still being compatible with the Arduino platform. Likewise, we want to give ourselves the option to use multiple colors of lighting in the capsule, which is why we have selected RGB LED strips. Below, we present a summary of all the electrical hardware components that will be part of the capsule.

Electrical Components Overview:

1. 12V Power Supply: Supplies power to the system and LED strip.
2. Buck Converter: Steps down voltage for low-power components.
3. RGB LED Strip: Enables flexible and dynamic lighting.
4. Light Sensor: Adjusts lighting based on ambient conditions.
5. ESP32 Dev Module: Provides control and wireless communication.
6. 3× Resistors (1 kΩ): Protects components and limits current.
7. 3× Transistors (IRLZ44N): Controls higher current to the LED strip.
8. Speaker (Bluetooth): Provides audio output.
9. Tablet: Acts as the user interface.

This section describes the schematic design of the system shown in 8. The diagram illustrates the integration of the main components and their interactions. The ESP32 functions as the central controller and is responsible for controlling the lighting of the capsule. A light sensor is included to detect ambient light levels and determine when a session should begin. The capsule uses a 12V RGB LED strip with four connections: a 12V supply line and three control lines for red, green, and blue. The color and brightness are controlled using pulse-width modulation (PWM). Each control signal is generated by a digital output pin on the ESP32 and passes through a resistor and a logic-level N-channel MOSFET. This setup allows the low-voltage ESP32 to safely control the higher voltage and current required by the LED strip. Power is provided by a 12V power supply. Since the ESP32 and sensor require a stable 3.3V supply, a buck converter is used to step down the voltage accordingly. Additionally, the ESP32 communicates with a mobile application via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), enabling configuration and control of the system. It is important to note that this design represents an initial draft, developed to explore component selection and overall system integration.

To ensure the system operates reliably, a power budget was established for all electronic components. The table below outlines the voltage, normal and maximum current draw, and resulting power consumption for each component.

Describe in detail the: (i) use cases or user stories for the smart device and app; (ii) selection of development platforms and software components (use tables to compare the different options); (iii) component diagram.

Present and explain the: (i) initial packaging drafts; (ii) detailed drawings; (iii) 3D model with load and stress analysis, if applicable.

Refer main changes in relation to the designed solution.

Detail and explain any changes made in relation to the designed solution, including structural downscaling, different materials, parts, etc.

Detail and explain any change made in relation to the designed solution. In case there are changes regarding the hardware, present the detailed schematics of the prototype.

Detail and explain any changes made in relation to the designed solution, including different software components, tools, platforms, etc.

The code developed for the prototype (smart device and apps) is described here using code flowcharts.

Perform the hardware tests specified in Tests. These results are usually presented in the form of tables with two columns: Functionality and Test Result (Pass/Fail).

Software tests comprise: (i) functional tests regarding the identified use cases / user stories; (ii) performance tests regarding exchanged data volume, load and runtime (these tests are usually repeated 10 times to determine the average and standard deviation results); (iii) usability tests according to the System Usability Scale.

Provide here the conclusions of this chapter and make the bridge to the next chapter.