App Design: Flora Craft
Discover, create, and connect with nature through art and conservation.
Role
UX research, UI design, User testing
Tool
Figma, Adobe Illustrator
Time
Sep - Dec 2023
Team
Individual
Background
Vancouver: A City Embraced by Nature
Vancouver seamlessly blends urban living with expansive natural spaces. Boasting over 2,800 acres of city parks, the city dedicates nearly 20% of its area to green spaces. Its coastal setting nurtures rich marine life, while the nearby mountains provide year-round outdoor activities, making it a haven for both residents and wildlife enthusiasts.
problem
Fostering a Deeper Connection Between People and Nature
How can we effectively foster a connection between individuals and the natural environment in Vancouver to enhance community engagement and ecological awareness?
Design Process
research
Research Context
To better understand the challenges and opportunities in fostering meaningful connections between individuals and their environment, I use different research method, such as field research and interviews. By synthesizing findings from these methods, the research identified patterns and opportunities for designing solutions that address user needs while encouraging engagement and exploration.
research
Field Research
In my on-site study at the Wreck Beach steps and Pacific Spirit Park within the University of British Columbia, I journeyed through a mesmerizing woodland populated with trees of important historical value. Some of these trees might have been sprouting since the first European settlers arrived in 1791. Even with the forest's scenic allure and crucial historical significance, it remains a lesser-known destination for individuals to hike and indulge in its unique natural marvels.
Elle
While exploring, I encountered several plants that I found visually striking but couldn’t identify.
Alex
I wonder if it grows around my neighborhood too. It would be so cool if there was an app that could help me find it or tell me where else it might be growing nearby.
User Research
💬Interview
This interview explores the interviewee's connection with nature, highlighting the value of community gardens and local plant-focused events.
Ishita Aurora
Environment Science Student
"The presence of community gardens in almost every neighborhood. I think they’re a fantastic way to learn more about plants, especially if you’re involved directly in planting."
Yelu Song
Fine Art Student
"Sometimes I see a plant and wonder if it’s native or what its story is, but I don’t really have a quick way to find that information. I guess I could Google it, but it’s a bit of a hassle."
SeungYeon Lee
UI Designer
"I often see beautiful plants online, but the frustrating thing is, I have no idea where to find them in real life. Even when I really want to go see them and take some photos, it's hard to know where to start looking. Sometimes they might be in my area, but without any location information."
✍️Reflecting on research
🌿
Hard to Identify Plants
Users find striking plants but can’t identify them easily. Searching online is inconvenient and discourages exploration.
📍
No Location Info
Users see plants online but struggle to find them in real life. Lack of location data makes visits difficult.
🏠
Limited Community Involvement
Community gardens are great, but many can’t join directly. Users want easier ways to explore plants nearby.
Design Ideation
Design Opportunities
Plant Identification & Map Integration
A feature that uses a device's camera to identify plants instantly and provides an interactive map to locate plants discovered by the community, encouraging easier exploration and discovery.
Creative Expression & Community Sharing
A platform for users to upload photos, sketches, or stories about plants they find, fostering a creative and interactive community space for sharing and inspiration.
Monthly Competitions & Product Customization
Regular contests where users submit plant-inspired creations, with winning entries featured on customizable merchandise like postcards or mugs available for purchase.
This app combines plant discovery, creativity, and community engagement. Users can identify plants using their device's camera and explore an interactive map of community-tagged locations. They can share photos, sketches, or stories, creating a space for creative expression. Monthly contests highlight user creations, with winning designs turned into customizable merchandise, blending exploration with artistic inspiration.
research synthesis
🗓️Service Blueprint
By visualizing the service blueprint, we can ensure a holistic understanding of the app, emphasizing user engagement, backstage processes, and supporting elements to deliver a seamless and rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.
research synthesis
📑The Business Model Canvas
This app encourages users to record natural observations and creations by providing plant identification services and a community sharing platform, as well as achieving a win-win situation by selling artworks.
DESIGN and prototype
Information Architecture
The Information Architecture of the app is designed to seamlessly integrate plant identification, map exploration, creative community sharing, and personalized experiences. By organizing these features into clear and accessible sections, the structure encourages exploration, creativity, and meaningful connections with nature and the community.
DESIGN and prototype
Wireframes
The wireframe for the app outlines the core features like plant identification, location-based exploration, and creative engagement. It focuses on the layout of key elements, such as search, map view, and plant details, ensuring an intuitive user flow.
DESIGN and prototype
Low-Fidelity Prototypes
Low-fidelity prototypes of the app allow users to interact with basic features, such as identifying plants and navigating through the app’s plant discovery sections, helping test functionality and gather early feedback on the user experience.
