Permaculture Principles Tool & Technique (PPTT) Analysis application development using LLM.

Draft 2

Problem Statement

Permaculture designers and permaculturalists lack a standardised, visual, and comparative tool to systematically assess their application of the 12 permaculture principles, resulting in incomplete designs, missed learning opportunities, and inability to track progress over time.

Point of View Statement

Permaculture designers and permaculturalists need a way to quickly visualise and compare their principle implementation because current assessment methods are informal, non-standardised, and don't provide historical tracking or community benchmarking.

How Might We Questions

• How might we make principle assessment as intuitive as arranging physical cards?
• How might we motivate consistent use through meaningful progress visualisation?
• How might we connect individual learning to community-wide understanding?
• How might we bridge offline reflection with online collaboration?

Success Criteria

• Historical progress is immediately visible through comparative visualisation
• Engagement increases through gamification without compromising assessment accuracy
• Tool serves both individual reflection and community aggregation needs
• Assessment process supports contemplative, unhurried reflection on each principle

Ideate – Draft 3

Building on our defined problem and "How Might We" questions, exploring creative solutions for the PPTT Analysis tool:

Core Interface Ideas

1. Card-Based Interface Solutions

• Horizontal deck of 12 principle cards with vertical drag scoring (0-10 scale) in columns
• Visual feedback: cards have a centre line that denotes datum for score line - in the middle of the vertical height of the card. An immutable histogram of the previous analysis 'score' flows through the columns that each card sits in. A new contemporary histogram showing trendline through the centre of each card on its datum. When a card is moved the histogram moves too
• Magnetic snap points at score intervals for tactile feedback
• Card flip animation to reveal principle details/descriptions

2. Progress Visualisation Concepts

• Dual histogram: ghosted previous scores vs. current bright colours
• Histogram showing trendline through the centre of each card on its datum
• Timeline slider to scrub through historical assessments
• Heat map showing principle attention over time periods

Gamification Ideas

3. Engagement Mechanics

• "Principle Steward" badges for sustained high scores in specific principles
• Streak counters for regular assessment completion
• "Balanced Designer" achievements for even principle distribution
• Progress milestones with nature-themed rewards (seed→sprout→tree)

4. Community Features

• Anonymous regional benchmarking ("Your bioregion averages...")
• Collaborative group assessments for shared projects
• Principle spotlight: monthly community focus on specific principles
• Peer comparison opt-in with privacy controls

Technical Architecture Ideas

5. Data Management Solutions

• Offline-first PWA with sync when online
• Export functionality (PDF reports, CSV data)
• Import capability for existing assessment data
• Backup/restore through QR codes for easy device transfer

6. Adaptive Interface Concepts

• Mobile: vertical card stack with swipe gestures
• Desktop: horizontal spread with mouse drag
• Tablet: hybrid approach with touch-optimised interactions
• Accessibility: keyboard navigation and screen reader support
  
  
  

Air Layering Black Boy Peach (The Rooting Process and the Removal & Potting)

Part 1: Air Layering Black Boy Peach (The Rooting Process)

---

START

1. Check Timing (Ecological Indicators):

The observable ecological indicators (visible growth conditions) allow the identify of the prime window (optimal active growth phase - actively photosynthesising and storing carbohydrates) for air layering based directly on what the tree is doing, rather than relying on a fixed calendar date that will shift with climate perturbation. All indicators should be present for air layering to proceed.

These ecological indicators typically align with Late Spring to Early Summer in New Zealand (October - December)

1.    Has the peach tree completed its primary spring leaf expansion (when the buds have opened and the initial flush of leaves have grown to their full, mature size, covering the branches to form a full canopy) and is it actively producing significant new shoot growth (vegetative growth/shoot elongation) for the current season

2.    Are the current season's new shoots beginning to firm up (semi-hardwood/lignification), yet still flexible? This means they're no longer purely soft and easily damaged, but not yet woody and hard 

3.    Are small fruits typically visible and beginning to swell (fruit development/fruit set) on the branches? This indicates the tree has moved past its main flowering phase and is actively putting energy into fruit development and vegetative growth

YES to all three indicators: Move to Step 2

NO to any of the indicators: STOP. Wait until these visible growth conditions are met for optimal active growth

---

STEP 2. 

Pre-Task: Prepare Your Materials for Layering

Tools and Equipment Required:

• Sharp, clean knife or ring barking scissors
• Rooting hormone (powder, gel, or liquid). Follow product instructions
• Black root layering cups (appropriate size) 
• Washed (Good quality, low EC) coir fibre
• Rainwater (for rinsing coir and hydrating coir)
• Syringe/squirt bottle (for re-moistening layering cup)
• Zip ties or similar (to hold cups together)
• Grafting tape/plastic wrap (seal balls to reduce evaporation) 

Prepare Coir Fibre Medium:

• Use good quality, low EC (washed) coir fibre (reduced salinity/optimal electrical conductivity). If the provenance or state of your coir is unknown, thoroughly and repeatedly rinse it with clean water (leaching/desalination) to remove excess salts before proceeding

•  Hydrate the coir thoroughly until it's fully expanded and uniformly moist (optimal water holding capacity/hydration)

• Squeeze out all excess water; the medium should be damp, like a well-wrung sponge (achieve ideal air-to-water ratio/field capacity)

---

Main Task: Air Layering Procedure

1. Select Your Branch:

• Choose a branch that matches the ecological indicators that is also: 

•     One to two years old
•     Approximately 0.7 cm to 2.5 cm in diameter (optimal for callus and root initiation)
•     Located in a mid-section where you want your new plant to form
•     Completely free from any disease or damage

2. Prepare the Stem (Ring Barking):

• Use a sharp knife or ring barking scissors
• Make two parallel cuts completely around the stem (girdling), about 1 to 2 cm apart encircling the branch circumference
• Carefully peel off the ring of bark (phloem removal) between these two cuts
• Thoroughly scrape off the green cambium layer (cambium disruption/root initiation zone) from the exposed woody cylinder. This is crucial for rooting

3. Apply Rooting Hormone:

• Apply rooting hormone to the exposed girdle (focus on the top edge of the girdle) using a powder, gel, or liquid (auxins) suitable for semi-hardwood or hardwood

4. Attach Black Root Ball Cup:

• Open the layering cup 
• Fill both halves of the cup with the prepared, moist coir fibre
• Carefully place the filled halves around the girdle, ensuring the entire girdle is centrally positioned and completely encased by the coir (maintaining humidity/contact with rooting medium)
• Securely close the cup using its clips, latches, and zip ties

5. Monitor (Long Term):

• Be patient. Root development (rhizogenesis) for peaches can take 3 to 6 months or even longer
• Periodically check moisture (hydration management):
  • Is the coir drying out?

YES: Add a small amount of water via a syringe or squirt bottle through the cup's opening

NO: Continue monitoring

6. Check for Root Development:

• After a significant period (e.g., 3-6 months+), carefully open one side of the cup to inspect for root formation
• Are white, healthy roots filling a good portion of the cup (successful rhizogenesis/vascular connection)?

YES: Proceed to the "Establishing Your Air-Layered Peach" instructions
NO: Gently re-close the cup, ensure moisture, and return to Step 7

---

Part 2: Establishing Your Air-Layered Peach (Removal & Potting)

Post-Rooting Care

---

START

Pre-Task: Gather Potting Materials

Tools and Equipment Required:

• Sharp, clean secateurs
• Plant pot (20-30 cm diameter)
• Good quality potting mix (suitable growing substrate)
• Support stake or bamboo cane
• Source of clean water (for initial hydration/settling of potted plant)

1. Sever the New Plant:

• Using sharp, clean secateurs, cut the branch just below the root ball (separation from parent plant/independence)

2. Potting:

• Carefully open the layering cup and remove the rooted branch with its intact root ball
• Immediately plant it into a 20-30 cm pot filled with a good quality potting mix
• Provide immediate support (e.g., a stake or bamboo cane) to the newly potted plant.  The newly formed root system is often not robust enough to support the full weight of the upper stem, especially if it's a larger air layer, preventing damage from wind or movement
• Water thoroughly (initial hydration/settling)

3. Hardening Off (acclimatisation):

• Place the newly potted plant in a sheltered, semi-shaded location (reduced environmental stress) for several weeks
• Gradually introduce it to more sunlight (gradual light acclimation) over time

4. Ongoing Care:

• Continue with regular watering and general care (post-transplant management) until the plant is well-established and showing robust new growth (successful establishment/vegetative vigour)

5. Planting out:

To be continued.

END

This post is to ensure I do not loose or forget my own designs. This design created with assistance from Chaptgpt, Gemini and Claude. Flowchart created using Chatgpt Lucidchart plug in.

According to Claude: 

This is an excellent and comprehensive air layering guide. Here's my review:

Strengths:

Scientific Accuracy: The technical terminology and biological explanations are spot-on. The use of terms like "rhizogenesis," "cambium disruption," and "lignification" shows solid horticultural knowledge, while the parenthetical explanations make it accessible to beginners.

Ecological Approach: The timing section is particularly impressive. Using observable indicators rather than fixed calendar dates is much more reliable and demonstrates sophisticated understanding of plant physiology. The three-point checklist (leaf expansion, shoot firmness, fruit development) is practical and scientifically sound.

Methodical Structure: The step-by-step format with clear decision points (YES/NO checkpoints) makes it foolproof to follow. The pre-task material preparation shows good planning emphasis.

Technical Detail: Excellent specifics like branch diameter (0.7-2.5cm), timing expectations (3-6 months), and pot sizing (20-30cm) give readers realistic expectations.

Areas for Enhancement:

Seasonal Context: While you mention "Late Spring to Early Summer in New Zealand (October-December)," adding a note about Southern Hemisphere timing for international readers could be helpful.

Troubleshooting: Consider adding a brief section on common problems (rot, poor root development, drying out) and solutions.

Success Indicators: The root development check could be more specific - what constitutes "healthy roots filling a good portion of the cup"? Maybe mention root color, length, or density.

Post-Care Timeline: The "hardening off" section could specify duration (e.g., "2-3 weeks in semi-shade").

Overall Assessment: This is professional-quality content that balances scientific rigor with practical application. The ecological timing approach sets it apart from typical gardening guides. Well done!

Analysis: PITEBA Oil Extractor Design Element

I recently came across the website for Piteba oil extractors

• The extractors are hand powered mechanical extractors (seperators) for nuts/seeds and oil
• As a hand powered device they fit in with my manual production philosophy
• This is a basic cost comparison and review of the ability to produce hazelnut oil
• As a concept it could apply to any other nut/seed oil

• The mind map below shows my design element analysis for home oil extraction

 Click on the mindmap for a larger view

• Following the above analysis I will be purchasing a Piteba oil extractor as a design element.  I just wish I had a plant nursery and an area to plant nut trees
• I would start collecting cuttings and bringing them on in the nursery and at the same time start preparing the area where the trees would finally be planted

Chew

Design: Five Block Rocket Stove

Originally posted 2012-08-12. Links updated 2025-05-30

The Five Block Rocket Stove design and the text of this article first appeared in the PNZ Autumn 2010 Members Newsletter produced quartly for the members of Permaculture in New Zealand.  As the author retains the rights to any article published it is republished here with minor changes for further dissemination and feedback

The principles involved in the design of rocket stoves were invented in 1982 by Dr. Larry Winiarski whilst he was Technical Director of the Aprovecho Research Centre.  His work is recorded in the Design Principles for Wood Burning Cook Stoves [1]

A rocket stove is a simple to implement and highly efficient fuel combustion and heat transfer design, utilised in the design of cooking appliances and space heaters

A typical rocket stove consists of a short chimney sitting on top of a fire chamber with a front fire box.  The external design and function of rocket stoves varies considerably depending on their use as either: stoves, hot plates, ovens, space heaters, static installations, mobile devices, etc. Designs also vary considerably between manufactured and handmade stoves

My interest in rocket stove design focused around its use as a stove, primarily for base camp kitchen cooking during site work, courses, etc.  My requirements differed from those of the Koanga Institute team, who have implemented a static rocket stove design in their course kitchen[2]

Generally all stoves have similar characteristics: A firebox at the front base of the rocket stove divided into separate air (bottom) and fuel (top) intakes which allows fuel to be added above the air intake at the base of the chimney in the fire chamber.  Heat in the fire chamber rises in the chimney and cause a draft at the fire box encouraging hot and efficient combustion of the fuel at high temperatures.  At the top of the chimney heat is focused directly on the cooking/heating surface.  Stoves designed in this way are very fuel efficient, produce very little smoke and ensure optimum heat transfer efficiency from fuel to food

My design objective was to produce a simple stove based on rocket stove design that fulfilled the following criteria:

• The design can be implemented by anyone with access to the materials
• The design utilises actually available and affordable materials
• The design requires the minimum number of tools and addition inputs to implement
• The design is simple to construct, use and maintain
• The construction can be broken down and reassembled in different locations
• The construction can be quickly built on spec
• The construction is ‘safe’
• The fuel must be accessible and sustainable
• The design works as a component of the larger design/philosophy

The first stage of my project was research.  I carried out an internet study, found many interesting articles and designs and watched some inspirational YouTube videos.  I also began assessing what materials I would use to build the stove, initially focusing on those used in the articles or videos of my research i.e. purchased or recycled.  The more I studied the less I knew and I had begun to focus on details!  At this point I moved my point of focus from the internet to a review of both my criteria and what I was attempting to achieve, the sketch pad and the physical modeling of ideas 

During my review I realised that I had not included the fact that this first design implementation was only a test to see if I could make a rocket stove and assess how they worked.  The design did not need to be perfect, it just had to provide the learning material to take me to the next level of design/complexity. Therefore the cheaper and quicker I could make the stove the better.  Through this design analysis I realised that the hollow masonry/concrete block I have used in my pottage garden layout would be the ideal resource to construct the stove 

My initial block stove layouts and models were large, cumbersome and obviously dysfunctional!  The wonderful thing about blocks of any sort is that they can be assembled and reassembled in many different ways, and the more I handled the blocks and became familiar with their characteristics the better I utilised their features and the leaner the design sketches and models became.  I finally settled on a minimalistic five block model, which fulfilled my design criteria, and I arranged to build and test the design

I originally intended to test the stove on the beach, where I collected the fuel twigs and sticks, but unfortunately this location and several others fell under the personal revelation that you cannot just light fires anywhere you like.  Testing eventually took place at home!

The blocks were easy to position and assemble on a concrete base (See Figure 1. Base block and chamber and Figure 2. Base block and fire chamber with chimney blocks and fire box added to form five block rocket stove)

Figure 1. Base block and chamber

Figure 2. Base block and fire chamber with chimney blocks and fire box added to form five block rocket stove

Once the blocks were in position a fire was lit in the fire chamber a fire box divider added and fuel added (See Figure 3. Lighting fuel viewed from fire box and Figure 4. Lighting fuel viewed from chimney, note scale of fuel being used)

Figure 3. Lighting fuel viewed from fire box

Figure 4. Lighting fuel viewed from chimney, note scale of fuel being used

Once the fire was set I was able to heat a tin of baked beans from opening to serving in five minutes (See Figure 5. Baked beans cooking on the stove) and boil 2 litres of water in the thermette in less than seven minutes (Figure 6. Thermette boiling over on the rocket stove chimney)

Figure 5. Baked beans cooking on the stove

Figure 6. Thermette boiling over on the rocket stove chimney

Following practical tests the temperature at the chimney exit was measured to be in excess of 300 Deg C the maximum range of my thermometer

Overall, my five block rocket stove design was successful in allowing me to cook and heat water quickly with very little fuel.  I have now added it unchanged to my base camp kitchen equipment, along with the thermette, a smoker and a cob ove - which will cover any cooking/kitchen requirements with fuel that I can grow myself in the form of coppice.  I have no doubt that once installed in situ design modifications could increase the efficiency further.  The design fulfils all of my criteria and several friends plan to implement identical designs. Further pictures and notes can be found on the following public album[3] 
 
Notes:

• To be close fitting and stable the designed stove needs to be constructed on firm level ground.
• Although the thermette boiled quickly and fiercely, its conical chimney shape did reduce the draft into the chimney. When the thermette was removed, flames literally jumped out of the chimney as the pressure changed.
• In a semi permanent installation the chimney could be clay lined and the whole stove insulated
• The draft in the chimney could be improved by removing the cavity mould taper of the block to create parallel sides for the chimney
• Replace the tin can sheet divider with a piece of suitable steel.
  

[1]    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WLsJDOpgzxUe2Jsc1_hdCVxx1VCH8qkp/view?usp=drive_link

Link updated 2025-05-30. http://www.rocketstove.org/images/stories/design-principles-for-wood-burning-cook-stoves.pdf

[2]    https://nz.pinterest.com/pin/rocket-oven-a-permanent-wall-mounted-kitchen-oven-this-is-part-1-also-see-part-2-article-pinned--321514860870487095/.

Link updated 2025-05-30. http://www.koanga.org.nz/rocket-oven-permanent-wall-mounted-kitchen-oven/

[3]    https://goo.gl/photos/pjhMyh8pGJa6MQfg6

Link updated: 2025-05-30.

Rocket Stove Materials:

• *4 standard plain end concrete block 390*140*190
• *1 standard open end block 390*140*190
• *1 large tin can sheet to make firebox divider
• *1 small oven rack to act as post stand above chimney
• * Lots of small twigs/sticks for fuel  
• A small helper to keep the fire stoked is helpful!

Chew

Design: Reverse Engineering

Greetings

Reverse engineering is the process of systematically analysing an object (activity/concept/design/element/function/idea/problem/process/procedure/routine/structure/system...) specifically to ascertain the external (black box) structure/processes/inputs/outputs.. and/or internal (white box) structure/processes/funtions.. that contribute to its function and form

• The technique is used to breakdown an object/system (physical/actual or hypothetical/proposed) to facilitate our understanding and learning of that object/system

• For a hypothetical/proposed design/system the analysis can facilitate understanding of the energy/materials/... required to implement/manage the design/system

• The 5 Whys strategy of questioning is a type of reverse engineering used in Root Cause Analysis problem solving

Chew 

Mnemonic: SING - How to remember what you read

Greetings

Remembering read information takes an effort, especially when reading information/data in text books that will probably only be read once

• Note taking (in any form) is a good way of recording the information for learning, but how do I remember both the background information and the data to make it useful information in the future
• I came across the mnemonic below on a Youtube clip How to remember what you read, which fits in with the way I remember what I read 

Stop - at end of text/passage for a second to focus on the read text

Identify - the main point/s of the text. Stories are hierarchical. Focus on retaining the points

Never - mind the details. Focus on the point/s

Gist; get the - of the story. Overall - all point/s together 

Other techniques I use to remember read information include: 

• Reading the contents pages of a book prior to reading the book, a primer to understanding the gist of a book (see I and G above)
• If I'm bored I will also skim the index pages in the same manner
• Reading the first few paragraphs/pages of a chapter and then skipping to the last paragraphs/page
• Text book chapters will begin with an introduction to the contents of the chapter (the first few paragraphs/pages) and end with a conclusion (the last few paragraphs/pages)
• The information in between/the bulk of the chapter is simply discussion and only of further interest if required to understand the conclusion (see N above)

Chew

Design Notes: Community gardens public work day site managment

Below are a few notes triggered by a working bee to stimulate some design thinking. The notes apply for general working bee/site/hui/project management/implementation tasks, not specifically to the working bee itself

• Delegate a site/bee/project manger/coordinator
• Front of house/greet/introduce
• Identifiable (safety vest)
• Link between groups/people on site (OST butterfly)
• Knows where people/facilities are: water/first aid kit/toilet/tools/membership forms etc... and what is going on during the bee
• Ensures everybody finishes on schedule and site is tidy for shared food/time
• Be aware of constraints time/hands/manpower etc...
• Send arrivals to site/bee manger/coordinator for briefing/direction/safety drill/muster point etc
• Visitors/contact record sheet
• Name badges      

• Prepare a noticeboard of tasks prior to people arriving
• Provides visibility of the big picture of the bee to both the workers and the manger
• Break large tasks down into small achievable tasks; Break large areas into small areas
• Allow people to chose what type of task they participate in on the basis of the task list (rather than seeking and being told)
• Get people to mark off their completed tasks, add the task to the board if it was not on the original list
• Facilitates/feeds back a visual sense of collective achievement
• Provides a record of the work
• Shows uncompleted tasks that form the basis for the next bee
• Helps show tasks that require further planning to fulfil
• Show start and end times for the bee. Allow people to schedule

• Ensure you can complete the task you are starting
• Work within the constraints time/hands/manpower etc...
• Assist someone to finish their task before requesting they stop and assist you
• Finish your current task before leaving to start another
• What is important is the number of tasks completed not how many are started

• Work to time
• Aim to have 3/4 of your task completed by half way through the period and completed well before the finish time
• lots of small completed tasks are preferable to large tasks which go over time
• Leave plenty of time for tidying up
• Have everything tidy and the site clean before serving food/beverage
• Everybody gets to celebrate the work done/completed together, cementing a sense of group/community achievement

• Designate a location for hand tools\site tools
• Borrow, use and return. Part of the task/job completion process

• Signs that answer common infrastructure questions: water/first aid kit/toilet etc...
• Site map indicating areas/sheds/names etc...

• Dont allow people to dump materials at the site
• The site should develop/evolve by design and strategy - Unless required as part of the design implementation or for repair, materials should not be accepted/stored
• Advertise what materials are required and which are not. Advise where alternative materials can be disposed of/donated

• An abundance of ad hoc materials leads to an abundance of equally ad hoc projects, with all the associated post project fallout and diversion of effort

• Devolop good housekeeping (5S) 
  

 Chew