Mobile application for Android users intended to provide consumers easy access to sustainable shopping.
EcoKnow
Individuals that have been recently educated on global warming/climate change’s effect on the state of our planet need an easy way to transition into a more sustainable lifestyle because climate change is detrimental to our planet. I am proposing a mobile application made for Android that will serve to solve the issue these individuals have of wanting to make the change towards a more sustainable lifestyle but are not really sure what to do or where to start. According to Worldwildlife.org “Climate change is here, and this is what it looks like: more frequent flooding in the central US, a longer and more costly wildfire season in California, and droughts across the Great Plains.” And this current year is detrimental to change through coordinated, comprehensive climate action according to scientists (wildlife.org). Consumers will create an account for this application that will be tailored towards that specific individual. Through the app you can find current news and updates for climate change/global warming, but the main purpose of my app will be to connect individuals with different companies online that produce/sell sustainable products. Through the app consumers will be taken to the company’s website within the app to purchase the selected products; with every sustainable purchase the app will keep track of your sustainable efforts
References:
2020: A critical year for our future and for the climate. (n.d.). Retrieved November 22, 2020, from https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/2020-a-critical-year-for-our-future-and-for-the-climate
Design
The design research for EcoKnow began with coming up with an idea of how to incorporate sustainability as well as develop an app that consumers would want to continue to use. The main target market I had in mind while creating EcoKnow were the individuals who wanted to make a difference for the environment, but aren't really sure how to go about it or where to start. With EcoKnow consumers will have access to sustainable shopping for whatever needs they may have. To help get a better understanding of what I wanted to truly design, throughout my designing phase I created a user journey flow chart, a persona, and a design wireframe.
(more detailed information regarding design aspects below)
App Logo
My inspiration behind the logo for EcoKnow was of course greenery, but the hands represent the consumer holding a light build (made of plants), the lightbulb representing their new found knowledge of sustainability.
Created using Procreate for iPad
Mobile App Design
Click image to expand for more info
Project Retrospective
Throughout the design process for EcoKnow I knew the most important aspect fo the application was to make it easy for individuals to take steps to a more sustainable lifestyle. I debated back and fourth between a few different ideas with the goal of saving the Earth, and ultimately I felt as though an online shopping application would bring in the most traffic. I started with the concept of selling products directly through the mobile applications, but because there is such a large scale of sustainable products, I ultimately decided that through the app the consumer will be directed to the company's website. It will open up a window within the app, that way your purchases can be tracked for progress and saved as well within the app. I realized I was not going to be able to reach every single person on this Earth, and I gained a different perspective through my user journey flow chart. I only tweaked a couple pages from the design wireframe I created to the prototype. Overall, I gained insight on how such small strides can direct us towards saving the environment.