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Vertical Farming Mobile Application Development

This case study outlines the conceptualization and development of a mobile application designed to address space management challenges in vertical farming containers. The mobile application aims to simplify the allocation, visualization, and optimization of space within vertical farming containers, streamlining the booking process and enhancing user experience. By incorporating advanced visualization and real-time cost calculation, the app empowers users to make data-driven decisions and ensures efficient space utilization.

Key Features

01
Space Allocation

Users can dynamically allocate space within containers by adjusting dimensions (length, width, height) and receive real-time visual feedback.

02
Cost Calculation

The app calculates the cost per cubic meter (m³) based on allocated space, rental duration, and pricing.

03
Visualization Tools

Interactive 2D and 3D views offer real-time insights into available and used space, optimizing the user experience and minimizing space wastage.

04
Container Listings and Management:

Users can view available containers, filter by various parameters, and finalize bookings efficiently.

User Flow

1. Homepage – Entry Point for Exploration

  • Objective : The homepage serves as a central hub for users to explore available container options, rental prices, and features.

Key Features -

  • Container Listings : A grid-based layout to display container types, dimensions, rental prices, and key features like insulation and water supply.
  • Search and Filter Options : Users can search by container type, size, or price range and filter based on features such as temperature control or water facilities.
  • Availability Indicators : Color-coded availability tags (green for available, red for fully rented) help users quickly assess container status.

2. Space Selector – Customizing Container Space

  • Objective : The space selector allows users to define and visualize the area they need for their crops within a container.

Key Features -

  • Interactive Sliders/Inputs : Users can adjust the dimensions (length, width, height) using sliders or manual input, with real-time validation to ensure the allocated space does not exceed the container’s capacity.
  • 2D Visualization : A top-down 2D view of the container that highlights the allocated space.
  • 3D Visualization : Users can interact with a 3D model of the container, dragging and dropping to adjust the space allocation dynamically.
  • Space Utilization Indicator : A progress bar shows the percentage of container space utilized, offering users a clear sense of space availability.

3. Booking Summary – Confirmation Before Finalizing

  • Objective : Provide users with a detailed review of their space allocation, pricing, and container details before booking confirmation.

Key Features -

  • Detailed Summary : Displays selected container dimensions, allocated space, rental price, and total cost.
  • Editable Allocation : Users can modify space selections directly from the summary page before finalizing the booking.
  • Transparent Pricing : A breakdown of rental costs and additional charges provides clarity on the total cost of the booking.
  • Call-to-Action : Clear options to “Confirm Booking” or “Save for Later” enhance the decision-making process.

4. Admin Dashboard – Centralized Management

  • Objective : The admin dashboard is designed to facilitate efficient container management and booking oversight for administrators.

Key Features -

  • Container Overview : Visual representations (graphs and pie charts) showing rented vs. available space and container status (rented, available, partially rented).
  • Booking History : Administrators can track detailed logs of all bookings, including customer information, allocated space, and rental durations.
  • Analytics and Reports : The dashboard generates exportable reports (Excel, CSV, PDF) on revenue trends, customer preferences, and container demand, helping administrators make data-driven decisions.
  • Real-Time Notifications : Admins receive alerts for new bookings, payment completions, and space availability.

Solution

Backend Framework

Node.js : Node.js powers the backend, providing scalability, performance, and flexibility for real-time data processing and interactions.

Database

PostgreSQL : powerful relational database for storing user data, container configurations, and space allocation details, ensuring consistency and reliability.

Frontend Framework

Flutter : Flutter is chosen for its fast, cross-platform development, offering a native-like experience on both Android and iOS devices. It ensures a smooth and responsive user interface with high performance.

2D/3D Visualization Tools

Use Flutter to create and animate 2D layouts for real-time space visualization. Integrate Unity3D via platform channels for interactive 3D layouts and dynamic space management.

User-Friendly Features

Intuitive UI for seamless container selection, space allocation, and booking.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1 : Space Allocation Efficiency

Users face challenges in accurately allocating space within containers to maximize space efficiency.

  • Solution : The app provides dynamic sliders and a real-time visualization tool that shows users how their selected space compares with the overall container volume, enabling them to optimize space utilization.

Challenge 2 : Lack of Visualization Tools

Without proper visualization, users struggle to understand the impact of their space allocations on container efficiency.

  • Solution : By integrating 2D and 3D visualization tools, the app allows users to interactively plan and visualize their space in both flat and 3D models, ensuring better spatial awareness.

Challenge 3 : Complex Pricing and Cost Management

Understanding the cost structure can be confusing for users, especially when it comes to dynamic space allocation and rental duration.

  • Solution : The app features real-time cost calculations based on the allocated volume and rental duration, offering transparent pricing details that automatically update as users modify their space selection.

Calculation Methods

Rental Price Calculation

Formula - Rental Price = Base Price × Allocated Space Percentage × Rental Duration (in days/weeks/months)

Example -
  • Base Price : $100/day
  • Allocated Space : 60%
  • Duration : 7 days
  • Rental Price = $100 × 60% × 7 = $420

Space Utilization Calculation

Formula - Space Utilization (%) = (Allocated Volume ÷ Total Volume) × 100

Example -
  • Total Volume : 600 m³
  • Allocated Space : 288 m³
  • Space Utilization = (288 ÷ 600) × 100 = 48%

Admin Dashboard Calculations

Example -
  • Remaining Capacity : Remaining Capacity = Total Capacity – Allocated Capacity
  • Occupancy Rate : Occupancy Rate (%) = (Total Allocated Space ÷ Total Available Space) × 100
  • Profitability Calculation : Profit = Total Revenue – (Operational Costs + Maintenance Costs)

Conclusion

The Vertical Farming Mobile Application offers a comprehensive solution for managing space in vertical farming containers, improving user experience and operational efficiency. With advanced interactive tools, dynamic 2D/3D visualisation, and transparent cost calculations, the app helps users optimise their container usage and make informed decisions. The admin dashboard provides real-time analytics and reporting tools, empowering administrators to manage bookings, track revenue, and optimise container usage. By leveraging modern technologies such as Node.js, PostgreSQL, and Flutter, the application ensures scalability and a smooth user experience, positioning it as a game-changing solution for vertical farming operations