Building an AI-Based Agronomy Tool for PepsiCo
Challenge
PepsiCo wanted to develop an AI-powered tool that would allow growers and internal agronomists to access real-time data and agronomic advice throughout the potato growing season. Working in collaboration with Microsoft to develop the tool, PepsiCo was planning an initial pilot in Mexico for both large- and medium-sized farms. To ensure the tool would meet the needs of its intended users, the Global Agriculture Office sought to deepen its understanding of the dynamic between growers and agronomists and identify the most important types of information required such as pest prevention, soil health, irrigation, harvest, and storage.
Implementation
In response to this challenge, the Global Impact Collective collaborated with Microsoft to design and facilitate a two-day interactive workshop in Los Mochis, Mexico. The workshop brought together growers and PepsiCo agronomists for hands-on, collaborative sessions both in the field and at the PepsiCo offices. The objective of the workshop was to understand participants' lived experiences, construct a journey map outlining their interactions and needs, and develop a prioritized list of features for the proposed AI-based tool.
The workshop utilized a variety of human-centered design methodologies to foster collaboration and idea generation. Techniques such as journey mapping help participants visualize the steps and challenges in their workflows. Solo storming encourages unique individual reflection before group discussions, while group activities promote teamwork and the sharing of diverse perspectives.
Impact
Through these approaches, the workshop uncovered “digital fatigue” as a major issue. Growers have to manage hundreds of data points across disconnected platforms, and agronomists end up spending more time on training than with growers in the field. Knowing which app to use at which time decreases confidence in digital tools as a whole. This knowledge helped lay the foundation for the development of an effective and user-focused agronomy tool that brings together satellite, sensor, and drone data into one easy-to-use dashboard.
