Overview
Plan.t is a proof of concept/prototype for a mobile application developed and presented as the dissertation for my Master’s degree at Falmouth University.
This project was deemed as very strong and well-received and was recognised as an example of good practice for future cohorts at Falmouth University, demonstrating my ability to deliver impactful, scalable solutions.
The application is designed to enhance the user experience within the Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) scheme Food Smiles (St Albans, Hertfordshire) by offering a comprehensive set of tools tailored to support various user levels, from novice members to experienced coordinators.
UX Research / Analysis
UX/UI/Content Design
Presentation
Role
UX Research / Analysis: 6 weeks
UX/UI Design / Presentation: 6 weeks
Durations
Challenges
Members at Food Smiles, a CSA scheme, were facing significant coordination and engagement challenges.
Participants were struggling with:
Understanding schedules
managing tasks
understanding tasks (for beginners)
accessing beginner-friendly instructions
effectively communicating within the community.
All information was written on paper with bad handwriting and posted on the wall of a shed within the allotment.
These challenges lead to:
Miscommunication
mistakes in the farming process
members were happy to do tasks but nothing that would give them committing responsibilities.
Problem Statement
How can a user-centred approach enhance the user experience of a community-led agricultural scheme by addressing training, communication, and task management challenges while aligning with CSA principles?
Results
I developed Plan.t, a proof-of-concept prototype for a mobile first application offering tools to enhance user experience on-site:
Plan.t offers tools to enhance user experience, including:
personalised features and member versions depending on the member level.
task management, with easy step-by-step video instructions for beginners,
A Creator’s Hub for coordinators, featuring a task list creator and task manager, serves as a central hub for tools to support cooperative management.
AI assisted functionalities tailored to assist various user levels.
Plan.t streamlines coordination, boosts user engagement, and allows accessible participation for all users. It provides clear instructions, and efficient task management, validated in real-world settings.
Design Process
Food Smiles lacked a streamlined solution for task management and knowledge sharing. Research uncovered challenges with disorganised task lists, poor communication, and limited support for novice members.
I used user-centred design methodologies like Design Thinking and Double Diamond to directly address users' needs, pain points, and goals.
I conducted a literature review and a thorough competitor analysis, revealing a gap in the market for a product that combines task management, organisation, and training into one comprehensive solution.
Empathise
User interviews and surveys with Food Smiles members highlighted the need for clear task instructions and better coordination. Through thematic analysis of member feedback, I identified key challenges, such as the need for improving guidance for inexperienced members, simplifying the process of signing up hours, and boosting engagement in task management.
These insights were reframed into How Might We (HMW) statements, guiding the design process to address user needs effectively.
Research Insights
Training/ Passing on expertise
How Might We …
enhance the expertise within Food Smiles?
How Might We …
enhance guidance for unexperienced members?
How Might We …
provide information in an efficient way for all members?
Encouraging proactivity and
responsibility engagement
How Might We …
make signing up their hours easy process for all users?
How Might We …
encourage all members to take on more responsibilities?
How Might We …
encourage members to be more proactive?
Define
Three Personas were created based on the results of the research analysis and the HMW statements created.
I created user journey maps for each persona to understand their needs and goals holistically:
I experimented with different technologies and developed a customised GPT with OpenAI, resulting in the creation of Plan.t AI.
Ideate
I developed an initial information architecture for the application to establish a clear structure and user flow.
I designed segmented, interconnected user flows, enabling a more intuitive and user-friendly approach by breaking the process into shorter, clear sequences that fed into the main flow.
I ensured accessibility by choosing a clean and legible font and using colour combinations with sufficient contrast to enhance readability. Consistent use of spacing and visual hierarchy further supported navigation, adhering to usability heuristics and WCAG guidelines to create an inclusive experience.
Design Decisions
AI Assistance: I Introduced AI-driven task support to help users independently complete tasks.
Creator’s Hub: I developed for coordinators to streamline task creation and guide members.
Simplified User Interface: I designed separate user flows for coordinators and general members, ensuring accessibility for members with various tech literacy levels.
I also used agile, iterative processes to develop and test wireframes and prototypes.
I conducted usability tests with Food Smiles members to gather actionable feedback and refine the design further.
Wireframes
Wireframes are a crucial step in my design process, providing a base for the structure, flow, and usability of Plan.t.
For the main page, I developed and tested wireframes using a heatmap to understand user interaction patterns and identify areas for improvement. This testing revealed insights into the clarity and hierarchy of the design, leading to refinements that ensured critical features, such as task progress indicators and navigation options, were intuitive and accessible.
The iterative wireframes ensured a seamless and user-centred experience.
Final Prototype
The final prototype is the result of thorough research, multiple iterations, and close collaboration with the wonderful Food Smiles community. Their valuable input guided the design process, ensuring that the solution was tailored to their needs and enhanced their experience managing tasks and staying engaged with their community.
Iteration and Feedback
Initial usability testing showed confusion around the Creator’s Hub. To tackle this issue, task flows were refined, a simplified version for novice members was created and terminology was simplified to improve clarity.
Impact
The app prototype received positive feedback, with users appreciating the ability to access updated task lists remotely, improving organisation and teamwork.
Future Plans
The development of Plan.t is an ongoing process. Future plans include:
Enhanced AI Integration: Expanding the AI functionalities to provide more personalised support for users based on their activity and feedback.
Watering Management Tool: Integrating a watering management tool to help members efficiently schedule and monitor irrigation tasks, ensuring optimal water usage.
Mobile and Desktop Versions: Developing desktop versions and improving the mobile app to ensure a seamless experience across all devices.
Partnerships with Other CSAs: Collaborating with other CSA schemes to refine and adapt Plan.t for broader use, incorporating feedback from diverse user groups.
Data Analytics: Integrating data analytics to track usage patterns and optimise the app’s functionality based on user behaviour and needs.
These future developments aim to make Plan.t an indispensable tool for CSA members.
The app will enhance engagement and productivity within the allotment by prioritising personalisation.
This approach will support each scheme's unique needs and contribute to sustainable agriculture's goals.
Testimonials