BeeGreen

Problem:

• It is overwhelming and time consuming to increase eco-friendly habits and knowledge.

Process:

• To better understand the problem space I initially started looking for secondary research. Once I had a better understanding of the problem space I then found and reviewed similar eco-friendly apps that are currently available in a heuristic analysis.

• I put out an initial screener to gather potential users to conduct user interviews with and then created an affinity map with the various information. I utilized this affinity map to create three personas as well as mapped out each personas red routes and wireframes.

• I created paper sketches and tested for usability first. Then I created high fidelity mockups and a prototype in order to test again. Using the feedback and data from testing I iterated further on the design.

Lessons:

• Reusing elements to increase efficiency and consistency across the platform is key

• Initial research around the problem space is valuable to gain a better understanding and empathy for the user

• Personas help keep the focus and empathy with the users frustration, pain points, and goals

• For me sketching with paper and pencil make it easier and quicker to communicate ideas

Empathize

My objective was to identify potential users of BeeGreen and to identify how to increase users eco-friendly habits and knowledge. Initially, I started by researching to find what is already out there as far as resources and what are people currently doing. My research continued with screening and interviewing participants as well as performing a usability heuristic analysis on 3 competitor applications. 

Define

In order to keep the user and the empathy for the users at the forefront throughout the process I created an affinity map based on the interviews. Then I was able to create empathy maps and personas in order to bring my users to life. Based on my research I was able to define and create 3 main personas. 

Affinity Map:

Meet Jamie, Christine, & Tiffani:

Once I had a clear understanding I was able to define some key “how might we” (HMW) questions. These HMW questions were helpful in framing how BeeGreen was going to be the solution to the users problem and also was helpful in defining what are necessary for an MVP.

How Might We . . .

• allow users to visualize their impact on the environment?

• allow users to influence their friends and family to participate?

• present educational information?

• help users feel like their actions are having an impact?

• motivate people to contact gov. representatives?

Prototype & Test

After sketching out screens with paper and pencil I quickly made a paper prototype using Marvel Pop and conducted a guerilla usability test in order to validate the initial paper sketches before digitizing them into a more formal prototype. Once I had validated the ideas and decisions I made based on my personas, red routes, and the guerilla usability test with the paper prototype it was time to create high fidelity mockups using Sketch. For me, this was where I had some of the most fun because BeeGreen finally was coming to life.

With the high fidelity mockups created, I then used InVision to create a more formal prototype to perform a couple rounds of usability testing with iteration and redesigning in between testing. I received extremely valuable insight into what could be improved on and validation of other design decisions. For these usability tests I gathered participants who I initially interviewed before as they already had some context as to the background and intent of BeeGreen, as well as participants who had no prior context for BeeGreen.

Prototype Link

Conclusion

Going through the entire design process I have learned a lot about the process as well as about myself. If I were to do this again I would probably try to focus on one or two features for the initial MVP. After having an MVP, then I could choose to add more in over time. I would also try to do a better job with scheduling so as to minimize losing any momentum throughout the design process, as sometimes I had to wait on one or two people to continue onward.