14 May 2014

WALT identify key steps in the innovation process. [It’s like finding each piece of the magic wand]

The Biospife Researched by Room 4

The Idea By: Brandon, Ofa, Siosiana

• Describe the idea. • To make a tool that combined a spoon and a knife to eat kiwifruit – a

Spife that was compostable - able to put it in the compost bin.

• What was the opportunity, the need or the problem that prompted the idea? • The problem was that the plastic spifes make lots of rubbish. The new

one needed to be able to go in the compost bin.• The need to reduce the carbon footprint of Zespri Kiwifruit brand.• 3% of the carbon created was caused by the yellow plastic spifes.

The Process By: Valo, Peter, Jenthe & Najeer

• Describe some of the elements in the process of turning the idea into an outcome.Investigating how to use bioplastics, combining ideas, collaboration, teamwork, working together, thinking, time (it took 5 years to develop the biospife) testing / trials, measuring, making changes, research, making a prototype, getting money/ funding • What skills, knowledge, abilities were important? Carbon footprinting, knowledge of bioplastics, machinery, commitment, being determined, testing, measuring carefully, checking results, knowing what consumers wanted, asking good questions.• Who was involved? Scientists, plastic engineers, researchers, inventors, consumers, machine experts, robots • What challenges were faced?Reducing waste, using wet, slushy kiwifruit residue to make plastic, moulding the shape, the biospifes breaking

The Outcome By: Jordana, Abby Rose, Tupou, Lilyana, Ailini

• Describe the outcome.• They have successfully made a compostable Spife. It is nearly ready for

commercial production.

• Was the outcome developed from a new idea or is it an improvement of an existing idea?• The idea of combining a spoon and a knife was new but then they

improved it by making it healthier for the Earth.

Creating value By: Evelyn, Paris, Meela, Emmanuel & Mataele

• Who was the product designed for? • People who want to enjoy kiwifruit and eat it easily but still be eco-friendly.

• How does this product create value? • It is easy to use and reduces the carbon footprint of Zespri Kiwifruit and their users.• It has helped the scientists learn more about how to use and make bioplastics

• Is the product commercially available? • Not yet.

• Has the product been successful in making a difference to people’s lives? • ??