Ridder: Digital Innovation for Greenhouse Horticulture
Greenhouse growers around the world need direct, efficient control over their climate conditions. Traditional, desktop-based systems often fall short – they lack flexibility and don’t offer a user-friendly mobile solution that allows growers to respond in real-time to changes in temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels. This can lead to crop damage and unnecessary energy use.
Ridder Growing Solutions saw an opportunity to make greenhouse management smarter and more accessible. Their goal: to develop an innovative mobile app that gives growers real-time insight into climate data and the ability to take immediate action – anytime, anywhere.
The Solution: Real-Time Monitoring and Intuitive Control
The Ridder Mobile Control Client translates complex climate data into clear dashboards, notifications, and easy-to-use controls. The app was designed with maximum usability in mind, ensuring that both experienced growers and less tech-savvy users can navigate it with ease. Through international testing and market feedback, the app has been optimized for diverse climate conditions.
By connecting directly to the climate computer, the app gives growers a constant overview of their greenhouse environment. Real-time visualizations help users identify trends and intervene early. Key climate factors are presented dynamically, and the app automatically alerts users to any anomalies in temperature, humidity, or other vital conditions. This enables growers to take immediate action and remotely adjust settings like ventilation, lighting, and irrigation – no need to be on-site.
From Design Sprint to Implementation
"“The biggest challenge for me personally was translating a complex, feature-rich desktop environment into a clear, easy-to-use mobile app. By frequently sitting down with end users, we ensured that all essential elements were thoughtfully integrated into the design.” — Roel van Winsen, UX Designer."
The process began with extensive interviews with stakeholders and growers, providing valuable insights that shaped a Design Sprint. Together with Ridder, we defined and validated the core features. Based on this, we developed the information architecture and set up a visual design using a component library and design tokens. Throughout the project, we conducted regular usability testing to ensure a smooth and intuitive experience.
Tech Stack
The app was built using React Native with TypeScript, backed by a Node.js backend and Zustand for state management. This ensures speed, scalability, and a seamless experience across both iOS and Android. Thanks to a dual-track agile approach – with UX design and software development running in parallel – the app could be rapidly and iteratively improved.
The Ridder App Offers:
Real-time monitoring: Growers have up-to-date insights into temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels at all times.
Smart notifications: Alerts on critical changes enable quick responses and help prevent crop damage.
Flexible dashboards: Users can personalize their interface based on key greenhouse climate parameters.
Advanced data analysis: Trend lines and visual overlays help identify patterns and optimize cultivation strategies.
Seamless integration: Direct connection with Ridder’s climate computers for fully integrated greenhouse management.
Result: More Control and Efficiency for Growers Worldwide
Since its launch, the Ridder Mobile Control Client has been adopted by growers around the world. User research shows that 95% of users consider the app a significant improvement over traditional systems. Growers now have more control and work more efficiently.
The app has been thoroughly tested in the Netherlands, the United States, France, and Spain, with real-world feedback driving key UX enhancements.
Nominated for a Dutch Interactive Award in the Service Category
As the cherry on top, the Ridder app has been nominated for a Dutch Interactive Award in the Service category. It’s a great recognition of the close collaboration between Ridder and our multidisciplinary team – and a clear sign that smart, user-friendly technology can truly make a difference in greenhouse horticulture. We’re proud of that.
And This Is Just the Beginning
Ridder is currently working on a new solution to help standardize cultivation strategies, making it easier for growers to implement consistent recipes and further optimize greenhouse operations.
Want to Learn More?
Curious how smart technology can help your business work more efficiently and effectively? Don’t hesitate to get in touch!