Smart Hives: Designing for Native Bees

Nancy Smith

School of Information, Information Experience Design
Seed Grantee 2019-2020

Smart Hives: Designing for Native Bees is design specific for native, solitary bees, which are some of our most important pollinators. Found and recycled materials, as well as clay, paper, wood, and plants are utilized in construction. In addition, the hives contain digital components, such as sensors and monitors, designed to capture information about the bees who live in them and the environment in which they are placed. Exploring well-being among animals, this project suggests ways to imagine beyond domestic honeybees when developing technologies to support ecosystems and pollinators.