Platforms: iOS
Overview
The Evergreen iOS app supports users in making incremental changes towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Roles: Research, UX/UI Design, Branding
Industry: Lifestyle
Tools: Figma, Maze
I conceptualized, researched, and designed Evergreen’s mobile prototype. I designed an image capture feature and a log section to track users’ environmental impact, in order to address user concerns around environmentally friendly actions and habit tracking.
Problem
Sustainability and the longevity of our planet are some of the most pertinent issues we face as a species. Over 70% of those surveyed in a recent Boston Commons study expressed increased concern in the wake of COVID-19 over humans’ impact on climate change and contributions to environmental degradation, and 40% of that same group expressed a desire to adopt more sustainable behavior.
How might we incentivize users to adopt sustainable lifestyle choices while leveraging their pre-existing habits and routines?
Challenges
Many sustainability resources lack a nuanced approach and fail to accommodate different lifestyles and budgets. It was important to find a voice for the app which struck a balance between educational and relatable.
I began this project with the intention of keeping the app free of any paid content or affiliation. Through my research I determined that funding and affiliation with an external organization were not only important to its long-term success but also the credibility of the advice it sought to impart.
Research
Market Analysis
I analyzed three popular sustainability apps and noted how they convey information and encourage users’ habits.
These competitors combine detailed rubrics for sustainable practices with approachable language, increasing their credibility. However, their reliance on brand partnerships and paywalls hint at a more complex question - how sustainable is their sustainability?
I studied how these brands designed for scale and longevity, while also noting the shorter life cycle for apps without a significant source of funding.
User Research
I conducted a series of interviews with potential users who recognized gaps in their knowledge of sustainable practices, but still had the desire to make a difference. I focused on their motivations for adopting ecologically friendly habits, and their overall perceptions of sustainability.
"Sustainability is like leaving a campfire for the next person.”
"I wish there were more options in my area.”
"I’m constantly wondering what goes in the compost bin.”
Users’ relation to sustainability exists on a vast spectrum, as these habits are often culturally ingrained and heavily influenced by social networks.
User Needs
From my research I was able to extrapolate the following user needs to guide the next phase of my research:
• Users benefit from frequent reminders of their impact in order to start building more sustainable habits.
• Users must produce incremental changes in lifestyle in order to adopt a new perspective.
• Users require evidence that the benefits of eco-friendly products will outweigh existing brand loyalty
Ideation
Site Map
My research findings suggested that an individualized approach would have the most success. I centered my app around an image capture feature which provides users with suggestions for eco-friendly substitutes in their immediate vicinity.
Based on my established user needs, I prioritized elements encouraging sustainable habit-building, and elements which would lend credibility to the app.
User Flow
Using my site map as a basis, I designed a flexible user flow that would adapt to the users’ individual circumstances and technological limitations.
I designed for diverse use cases by allowing use of either the image capture feature or a manual search to engage with that specific feature. Users may opt in or out of the habit tracking feature.
Visual Design
Wireframe Sketches
I began my wireframing process by sketching out the primary image capture flow to enable me to conduct the first round of user testing.
Low Fidelity Wireframes
Following a preliminary round of user testing to gain clarity on the conceptual aspect of the design, I digitized my wireframes and incorporated feedback from testers,
I prioritized versatile use cases including options to use the image capture or text search. I also designed an onboarding flow for first-time users to address many of the questions around functionality and process which arose in user testing.
Branding
The name “Evergreen” is a reference to both the tree and the timeless nature of the advice imparted within the app. The logo is derived from a stylized fir leaf.
High Fidelity Wireframes
I applied my UI kit to the wireframes to produce my final high fidelity wireframes.
Conclusion
Summary of Findings
Users often struggle to find an entry point to adopting more sustainable habits. Gamification has been proven to have a powerful affect on neural pathways. By linking their everyday actions with credible advice, users will begin to build more positive associations with eco-friendly behavior.
Users demonstrated a desire to improve on their existing sustainability practices, while also expressing concern that they were not doing “enough”. By focusing on a small but meaningful amount of actionable points within the application, I will position Evergreen as an approachable alternative to other sustainable lifestyle apps.
Next Steps
Hand off to developer to assess functionality and make appropriate modifications.
Integrate application with Google Cloud API to accurately detect objects in image capture feature.
Seek out partnership with sustainability-minded organization or funding source to scale application,
Madeleine Buck
© 2024
