LEAF
Engagement service design
Smart Light Therapy
Smart Light Therapy

According to Unilever,

over 60% of consumers believe that companies with sustainability practices

foster a stronger brand image, positioning sustainability as a

competitive advantage

Chiba University

Chiba University’s plant factory is the largest of its type in Japan. Mitsui Fudosan is collaborating in the university’s Mirai agribusiness startup project, helping it move towards commercialization and stabilize food availability. Through Chiba University we had the chance to help with some of the current issues.

KASHIWA-NO-HA
Smart City

The target area is mainly the central and eastern zone or northern Kashiwa. Thanks to Kashiwanoha housing a variety of universities, public institutes, private enterprises and such it has the potential to be a leading model of an advanced world-class city.

The problem?

Despite the abundance of facilities and public resources within the city, residents are not fully engaged with their urban environment. Moreover, the city suffers from a dearth of tourism, which fails to ignite interest in its diverse array of resources and services.

Hypothesis

By shifting the focus from high-tech buildings to well-designed public spaces and activities that encourage social interaction, we can increase engagement with the city and thus, a sense of belonging.

How might we create an

engaging experience

that


promotes Kashiwa’s new spaces

utilizing existing
services to

drive interaction

within the city?

Adding

free Wi-Fi, AR installations, or interactive screens

in
parks can fostering to

social interaction through group activities

like virtual storytelling or collaborative art projects

Tracking engagement metrics from rewards programs

helps
cities

identify areas for improvement,

such as underserved
neighborhoods or underutilized public spaces

Solutions

The project seeks to create a positive impact on individuals and the community by leveraging existing services and city partnerships. This objective is divided into 5 key categories.

Community Engagement & Social Interaction:

LEAF strengthens community bonds through regular activities, helping participants explore the city, discover hidden gems, and form new connections while fostering pride and belonging.

Health & Well-being:

Bike rides promote fitness and mental well-being, while encouraging local food consumption, supporting Chiba University’s sustainable produce, and enhancing participants' overall health.

Gamification & Motivation:

By earning points and rewards, users stay motivated and engaged, redeeming incentives like discounts or virtual plants that make participation fun and rewarding.

Sustainability:

Promoting biking reduces car dependency, supporting eco-friendly habits and aligning with sustainability goals for a cleaner, greener community.