A simple app for healthy houseplants
Plants can’t talk, but this project brings them a little closer to it. We partnered with our friends at a hardware studio to develop a plant moisture sensing system that lets houseplants signal their needs through a mobile app.
This project was about simplicity, clarity, and care — for both plants and users.
The Collaboration
The hardware team designed the sensor module that sits in the pot and measures soil moisture levels. Our role at Design Katte was to design and develop the mobile app that connects with the sensor and translates raw data into helpful guidance.
This wasn’t a hand-off project. It was a two-way design process, where our team and the hardware team worked side-by-side to ensure a smooth interaction between the device and the user experience.
Designing the Interface
The app connects to the sensor via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), fetching moisture data at regular intervals. Our goal was to present this information in a way that feels clear at a glance, especially for users who aren’t tech-savvy or used to smart devices.
We crafted a minimal home screen where critical info — like moisture level, battery status, and alert messages — is communicated in a single view. Friendly visuals and color cues make it easy to know when it’s time to water the plant.
The Challenge of Battery Life
One of the biggest constraints came from the hardware side — the device runs on a small battery, and every Bluetooth communication impacts its lifespan. We had to design the app in a way that respects and optimizes hardware power use.
This meant limiting unnecessary background activity, fine-tuning how and when the app connects to the sensor, and working closely with the hardware team to create a sync strategy that balances performance with efficiency.
Final Thoughts
This plant sensor project might look simple, but it represents what good design can do — bridge hardware and software, simplify technology for real people, and create delight in the everyday.
At Design Katte, we’re proud to be part of this small step toward smarter, greener homes.
Got a sensor or smart device to bring to life? Let’s sit down and grow it together.