Project Overview
Plantifyer
For my bachelor’s project web/app design I created Plantifyer, a platform designed with a multi-device approach, allowing users to easily research and save unknown plants. The more plants they discover, the more "flower points" they earn! These points can be used to unlock new avatars and themes, encouraging users to continue exploring new plants. In addition, users can explore the Plant Bible, a comprehensive plant index, to research new species, save favorites, and easily revisit them later.
Brief
Design a prototype of a multi-device website for travelers. Create a responsive design for both mobile and desktop. Showcase the website’s features, the information that can be found, and how it can assist the user at different stages of their journey.
Design Process
Concept
The foundation for the concept stemmed from my personal interest; while traveling, I often encounter flora and fauna that intrigue me, but I’m unable to find more information about them afterward. I proceeded with desktop research and travel audience interview, which concluded some key insights to take into account:
○ Desktop versions are typically used before or after a trip.
○ Mobile devices play a central role during travel, with internet access being crucial.
○ Reflecting on a trip and having mementos is an enjoyable experience.
○ My concept is designed to engage users and encourage active use of the website before, during, and after their trip. It provides informative content, made even more engaging through gamification.
API's
I’ve selected a few API's that are crucial for making the concept functional. Without a database and plant index, the user would be unable to access any information. A diverse plant index is essential, which is why I have integrated two APIs dedicated to the Plant Bible. Additionally, the Plant.id API is used for deep scanning and image research of plants that the user captures during their journey.
The data retrieved from the API includes:
○ Latin name of the plant
○ Plant species
○ Plant image
○ Common name
○ Plant description
○ URL to a detailed web page (e.g., Wikipedia)
V.1 - Lo-fi
After my first V.1 lo-fi design, I tested the application with several users.
Key test results from user test 1:
○ Design: The 'slide' effect and/or the button to other pages isn't working! Implement a normal user-friendly menu.
○ Don't focus too much on design yet, prioritize functionality.
○ The weather and walking route section is unnecessary; try not to overcomplicate things! Focus on what's essential for the application.
○ Ensure good filters so users don’t get lost in information and can search more specifically when needed.
Adjustments for the final product:
○ A clear login system has been implemented.
○ Filter and sorting options have been added and expanded.
○ Plant Bible information can be favorited and found in the profile.
○ The hierarchy and layout of the site are now more inspired by a mobile website than a mobile app, providing greater clarity.
○ Mini gamification has been added (My Journey) to maintain user interest. The more exotic the scanned plant, the more points are added to the profile, unlocking more avatars and other exciting features.
○ The design has been completed, focusing purely on functionality and usability.
○ Additional filters have been added to My Tiles and My Favorites.
○ The filter options in the Plant Bible are accurate, realistic, and relevant.
V.1 - Lo-fi design
Final Product
Desktop version: research flora & fauna in France
Before the journey
The user can start exploring the desktop Plant Bible to see which plants are growing at their current location. They can filter and sort the results to get more specific information.
The most exotic plants with the highest flower point scores are displayed first by default.
If the user encounters interesting plants they'd like to remember, they can save the information by adding it to the favorite list. This data can later be accessed from their profile.
During the journey
The user encounters an unknown plant and can easily take a photo using the Plant ID feature on their mobile device to gather information.
○ The details provided include:
○ Latin name of the plant
○ Plant species
○ Image of the plant
○ Common name
○ Plant description
If the user is logged in or signs up, they can save the information tile to review later, and the points for the discovered plant will be added to "My Journey." Once saved, the user earns flower points based on the plant’s rarity— the more exotic the plant, the higher the score.
Mobile version: ID scan and save an unknown flower
Checking saved favorites and looking over the flower point system
After the journey
The user finishes their walk and checks how many points they've earned and if anything new has been unlocked in "My Journey." Exciting! The avatar can be changed, and there are still many thrilling options to unlock through further exploration. In "My Tiles," the user can review their recent discoveries and filter them from common to exotic species.