MainChick is an innovative application designed to address critical challenges in broiler farming, where efficient management is essential. MainChick's key features include a real-time monitoring system for barn conditions such as temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal environments for broilers. Additionally, MainChick offers a chatbot for instant access to chicken care information and disease prevention tips. The disease detection system uses machine learning to identify early symptoms, allowing for timely interventions to prevent disease spread.
MainChick's development followed the Design Thinking methodology, ensuring that the user remained at the center of the development process. This approach included the following stages:
Empathize: We conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with poultry farmers to understand their daily challenges and needs. By gathering insights directly from the users, we were able to identify key pain points that needed addressing.
Define: The data collected during the empathize phase was analyzed and synthesized to identify core problems. We created user personas and affinity maps to clearly define the needs and goals of our target users. This stage helped us to focus on the most critical issues faced by poultry farmers.
Ideate: In this phase, we brainstormed a wide range of potential solutions. We utilized methods such as "How Might We" questions, user flow diagrams, and lighting demos to explore various ideas. We also conducted Crazy8s sketching sessions and developed solution sketches to visualize our ideas.
Prototype: We created high-fidelity prototypes using tools like Figma. These prototypes were designed to closely resemble the final product, providing a realistic experience for users. The prototypes included detailed UI guidelines and interactive elements to simulate the actual app functionality.
Testing: Usability tests were conducted with real users to gather feedback on the prototypes. We used System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaires and in-depth interviews to assess the app's usability and effectiveness. The feedback collected during this phase was used to refine and improve the app.
MainChick has had a significant positive impact on poultry farming, resulting in the following benefits for users:
Reduced Broiler Mortality by 43%: Early disease detection and real-time monitoring have drastically reduced mortality rates, ensuring more chickens reach maturity.
Improved Broiler Weight by 28%: Optimized environmental conditions have led to healthier and heavier chickens, resulting in better market prices and increased revenue for farmers.
Contribution to SDGs:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger: By increasing poultry production and promoting sustainable farming practices, MainChick helps ensure a stable supply of high-protein food sources.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: MainChick leverages IoT and AI, encouraging the adoption of smart farming technologies and setting a new standard for innovation in agriculture.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The app optimizes resource use and reduces waste, promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
