Abstract:
The objectives of this research were to: 1) apply design thinking process in problem solving. The concept of community participation was utilized to find the most benefit for using hyacinths. It could be an example of a sustainable solution to community problems; 2) learn the process to make pots from the hyacinths and test for practical usage; and 3) test the compressive strength of the hyacinth fiber reinforced concrete pots.
Action research method was used by applying design thinking processes for solving community problems from water hyacinths. It started with visiting the area that encountered the problems and acknowledging the problems to find a solution with the community by recording through a brainstorming method and considering the root causes and solutions for the problems systematically. The collective ideas and possible solutions were brought to the community to develop products and create innovations. Experimental research method was conducted to find a mixture of concrete pots with finely ground water hyacinths fibers. The mechanical properties were found as experimental design.
The results found that the design thinking process could be applicable in problem solving through participation of people in the community. From the experimental results, it was found that Type B5 mixture was suitable for making concrete pots with average compressive strength of 8.27 MPa., higher than the standard of 7 MPa. The cost per pot used in the comparison was 75.99 Baht. Whereas the normal cost was 150 Baht, saving up to 49.34%. The study results could be utilized as a guideline to reduce the problems of water hyacinth waste, reduce government budget expenditures, create an improved community environment and bring pride to those involved. It is recommended that the community should promote the solutions and be presented to OTOP for their products or sustainable solutions for community problems faced in the future.
Keywords: Design Thinking, Water Hyacinth, Plant Concrete Pots.