Beez: The Complex Problem

Systems Thinking | Problem Definition | Team Work | Graphic Design

For the first part of this project my team modeled the population of honey bees in the United Sates. We created create spry diagrams, system maps, and Rich Picture diagrams. Then used the modeling software Vensim to create Causal Loop Diagrams and Stock and Flow models with behavior over time graphs. We identified key variables and lever points to model how variable changes would affect the system as a whole.

My team then took the systems model and created a design brief for a prototyping project. This included defining a lever point in the system and deciding on an object that could affect the system.

The lever point we decided on was introducing more backyard and hobbies beekeepers. In order to do this we wrote a design brief for a beehive geared at beginner beekeepers.

The beehive we designed was a flat-pack beehive that lowers the cost for beginner beekeepers. The hive is a simple design that relies on multiple layers to protect the bees. The beehive has Ikea-type assembly instructions for the users to build it using wood glue. The beehive also has open source laser cutter files and instructions that users can download and cut out themselves.

The open source website also features a series of informational bee-sources sheets that orient new beekeepers to the necessary knowledge of their hobby. My bee-sources are titled “Is Beekeeping for you?” and “Best garden vegetables for bees.”

The first one is made to give information on the pros and cons and necessities of beekeeping and an introduction to the types of bees.

The second one is an additional bee-source give users suggestions for plants that are beneficial to bees and provide veggies for the growers.