ecobud
ecobud
About the project
About the project
Context
As an inhabitant of Earth, I have always wanted to contribute positively, especially when observing the daily news about climate change threatening our climate and future.
It is increasingly clear that our actions are pushing the planet and humanity to extremes, with intense heat, droughts, storms, and tornadoes that devastate cities and cause floods. Islands and countries are also disappearing due to rising sea levels.
We need to change our current lifestyle by reducing harmful actions towards the planet, such as excessive consumption, frequent use of fossil fuel vehicles, improper waste disposal, water wastage, and excessive meat consumption. This change depends on both governmental measures and individual initiative.
As an inhabitant of Earth, I have always wanted to contribute positively, especially when observing the daily news about climate change threatening our climate and future.
It is increasingly clear that our actions are pushing the planet and humanity to extremes, with intense heat, droughts, storms, and tornadoes that devastate cities and cause floods. Islands and countries are also disappearing due to rising sea levels.
We need to change our current lifestyle by reducing harmful actions towards the planet, such as excessive consumption, frequent use of fossil fuel vehicles, improper waste disposal, water wastage, and excessive meat consumption. This change depends on both governmental measures and individual initiative.
Solution
The proposed solution is to leverage something everyone uses in their daily lives: technology. With this in mind, I have developed an application designed to assist people and serve as a companion during their journey towards lifestyle changes.
The proposed solution is to leverage something everyone uses in their daily lives: technology. With this in mind, I have developed an application designed to assist people and serve as a companion during their journey towards lifestyle changes.
Goal
To increase people’s engagement in transitioning to a more sustainable lifestyle.
To increase people’s engagement in transitioning to a more sustainable lifestyle.
My Role
Product Designer, Research
Time of project
5 months
01
Understanding the problem
Understanding the problem
To begin and gain a better understanding of the project challenge I conducted a survey of all the questions and assumptions I had about the topic. I used a CSD matrix to organize these points.
To begin and gain a better understanding of the project challenge I conducted a survey of all the questions and assumptions I had about the topic. I used a CSD matrix to organize these points.
Desk Research
After gathering all the hypotheses and questions, I conducted desk research on the topic through media sources and previous studies.
A study by GlobeScan in collaboration with the Akatu Institute revealed that in Brazil, 86% of Brazilians agree to reduce their individual impact on the environment, compared to the global average of 73%. Additionally, one-third of Generation Z individuals state that they do not know how to live in a healthy and sustainable manner.
This demonstrates a growing trend in the country. However, the lack of awareness and knowledge about how to take action remains an obstacle to people’s engagement.
After gathering all the hypotheses and questions, I conducted desk research on the topic through media sources and previous studies.
A study by GlobeScan in collaboration with the Akatu Institute revealed that in Brazil, 86% of Brazilians agree to reduce their individual impact on the environment, compared to the global average of 73%. Additionally, one-third of Generation Z individuals state that they do not know how to live in a healthy and sustainable manner.
This demonstrates a growing trend in the country. However, the lack of awareness and knowledge about how to take action remains an obstacle to people’s engagement.
Understanding Difficulties More Closely (Surveys and Interviews)
Understanding Difficulties More Closely
(Surveys and Interviews)
Understanding Difficulties More Closely
(Surveys and Interviews)
To better understand the barriers people face when adopting sustainable lifestyles, in addition to those identified in the desk research, I conducted a brief questionnaire. The target audience included adults aged 18 and older, residing in Brazil, from diverse ethnic groups, social classes, and regions. A total of 80 people participated.
At the end of the questionnaire, I extended an invitation for participation in an interview to gain deeper insights into the challenges of adopting a sustainable lifestyle.
To better understand the barriers people face when adopting sustainable lifestyles, in addition to those identified in the desk research, I conducted a brief questionnaire. The target audience included adults aged 18 and older, residing in Brazil, from diverse ethnic groups, social classes, and regions. A total of 80 people participated.
At the end of the questionnaire, I extended an invitation for participation in an interview to gain deeper insights into the challenges of adopting a sustainable lifestyle.
At the end of the questionnaire, I extended an invitation for participation in an interview to gain deeper insights into the challenges of adopting a sustainable lifestyle.
The key points raised by 5 participants were:
Lack of public and private initiatives to promote awareness and the development of sustainable habits.
Lack of motivation, especially due to the absence of social influencers discussing and practicing sustainable actions.
Limited recycling collection points, often distant or burdened with bureaucracy for waste disposal.
High cost of investment in clean energy and dependence on traditional energy suppliers.
Time constraints due to daily routines.
High costs associated with changing certain habits, such as dietary choices.
Lack of specific guidance on how to carry out particular actions.
At the end of the questionnaire, I extended an invitation for participation in an interview to gain deeper insights into the challenges of adopting a sustainable lifestyle.
The key points raised by 5 participants were:
Lack of public and private initiatives to promote awareness and the development of sustainable habits.
Lack of motivation, especially due to the absence of social influencers discussing and practicing sustainable actions.
Limited recycling collection points, often distant or burdened with bureaucracy for waste disposal.
High cost of investment in clean energy and dependence on traditional energy suppliers.
Time constraints due to daily routines.
High costs associated with changing certain habits, such as dietary choices.
Lack of specific guidance on how to carry out particular actions.
02
Deciding what to build
After conducting the research, some assumptions and doubts became clearer. With this in mind, I sought to evaluate the results from the research base.
Upon reviewing the results, I identified the following insights related to the barriers people face when transitioning to a more sustainable lifestyle:
After conducting the research, some assumptions and doubts became clearer. With this in mind, I sought to evaluate the results from the research base.
Upon reviewing the results, I identified the following insights related to the barriers people face when transitioning to a more sustainable lifestyle:
Lack of Incentive
There is a lack of both public and private initiatives that assist in raising awareness and fostering more sustainable habits.
There is a lack of both public and private initiatives that assist in raising awareness and fostering more sustainable habits.
There is a lack of both public and private initiatives that assist in raising awareness and fostering more sustainable habits.
Time Constraints
People struggle to incorporate certain habits into their daily routines. Some actions are complex and require additional time.
People struggle to incorporate certain habits into their daily routines. Some actions are complex and require additional time.
People struggle to incorporate certain habits into their daily routines. Some actions are complex and require additional time.
Limited Knowledge
There is a scarcity of content that helps individuals understand how to carry out sustainable actions in their day-to-day lives.
There is a scarcity of content that helps individuals understand how to carry out sustainable actions in their day-to-day lives.
There is a scarcity of content that helps individuals understand how to carry out sustainable actions in their day-to-day lives.
Given these challenges, how can we provide knowledge and encourage people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles in a way that seamlessly integrates with their routines?
I decided to create a mobile application that serves as a companion on the journey toward lifestyle change.
Given these challenges, how can we provide knowledge and encourage people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles in a way that seamlessly integrates with their routines?
I decided to create a mobile application that serves as a companion on the journey toward lifestyle change.
Market Assessment
With the solution defined, I began benchmarking by evaluating several existing apps with a similar purpose: assisting people in adopting sustainable habits.
I analyzed a total of 3 apps:
With the solution defined, I began benchmarking by evaluating several existing apps with a similar purpose: assisting people in adopting sustainable habits.
I analyzed a total of 3 apps:
Earth Hero
Advantages:
CO₂ Emissions Calculation and Goals: Users can calculate their CO₂ emissions and set goals to reduce them.
Detailed Graphical Displays: The app provides detailed graphs to help track emissions.
Challenges with Friends: Users can invite friends to participate in challenges that encourage sustainable actions.
Comprehensive Information on Sustainable Actions: Each sustainable action comes with a detailed description.
Disadvantages:
Language Restriction to English
Lack of Internal Community: Although there is a link to external groups, an internal community within the app is still under construction.
AMA
Advantages:
Cashback for Sustainable Actions: Users can earn cashback by performing sustainable actions, which can be redeemed later.
Evaluation of Actions and Service Quality:The app allows users to evaluate actions and service quality in their area.
Learning about Sustainability: By recording sustainable actions in the app, users also have the opportunity to learn about the UN’s Global Goals related to sustainability.
Disadvantages:
Variation in Availability of Sustainable Actions: The availability of sustainable actions in the app varies based on the user’s location.
Limitation of Social Feed:The social feed displays only posts from the app itself, depending on the user’s location.
Cashback Restrictions: Not all actions offer cashback, and to redeem it, users need to accumulate a minimum balance of 10 Brazilian reais.
Lack of Store for Cashback Redemption: Although the menu displays this option, there is currently no in-app store for cashback redemption at partner stores.
Eco Hero
Advantages:
Preview of Experience: Users can try out the app without the need to create an account.
Levels and Objectives: The app offers levels that can be achieved by completing tasks and objectives across different activity categories.
Social and Environmental Events: Additionally, the app promotes events with both social and environmental goals.
Disadvantages:
Lack of Tangible Rewards: Unfortunately, there are no concrete rewards for users when they perform actions or advance to higher levels.
Absence of Sustainability Content: Additionally, the app does not provide content related to learning about sustainability.
Defining Features
After researching the main competitors in the market, I compiled a list of essential features and differentiators for the solution to be developed.
After researching the main competitors in the market, I compiled a list of essential features and differentiators for the solution to be developed.
Essential Features
Educational Content
Easily consumable content about sustainable actions, such as videos and podcasts, sourced from partners or created in-house.
Educational Content
Easily consumable content about sustainable actions, such as videos and podcasts, sourced from partners or created in-house.
Tracking Sustainable Actions
User registration and gamification of actions, rewarding users when they complete sustainable tasks.
Tracking Sustainable Actions
User registration and gamification of actions, rewarding users when they complete sustainable tasks.
Social Interaction Among Users
Ability to create posts and stories showcasing sustainable habits and actions, with social interactions among members.
Social Interaction Among Users
Ability to create posts and stories showcasing sustainable habits and actions, with social interactions among members.
Differentiators
Differentiators
Ecological Footprint Reduction Plan
Considering that 72.5% (58) of participants expressed interest in understanding the positive impact of their actions on the planet, we will offer an assessment of the user’s current impact (via a questionnaire) and a personalized action plan for high-impact areas (such as food, housing, natural gas consumption, electricity, waste, transportation, and income). This will enable users to initiate positive changes and track their CO₂ reduction score.
Ecological Footprint Reduction Plan
Considering that 72.5% (58) of participants expressed interest in understanding the positive impact of their actions on the planet, we will offer an assessment of the user’s current impact (via a questionnaire) and a personalized action plan for high-impact areas (such as food, housing, natural gas consumption, electricity, waste, transportation, and income). This will enable users to initiate positive changes and track their CO₂ reduction score.
Carbon Exchange for Rewards
As users adopt sustainable habits, they accumulate CO₂ credits for their positive actions. These credits can be exchanged for rewards, donated to NGOs, or converted into local currency.
Carbon Exchange for Rewards
As users adopt sustainable habits, they accumulate CO₂ credits for their positive actions. These credits can be exchanged for rewards, donated to NGOs, or converted into local currency.
03
Building the solution
Building the solution
Creating the Application Structure
To begin the creation process, I mapped out the screen flow that the application will have. Taking into account all the previously defined functionalities and how they would best fit into the user experience.
To begin the creation process, I mapped out the screen flow that the application will have. Taking into account all the previously defined functionalities and how they would best fit into the user experience.
Sketching the Solution
To bring the screens to life, I created initial wireframes using Figma. I chose wireframes to visualize and plan what each screen should contain, as well as to distribute information and visual elements effectively.
To bring the screens to life, I created initial wireframes using Figma. I chose wireframes to visualize and plan what each screen should contain, as well as to distribute information and visual elements effectively.
Creating the logo and visual identity
In creating the product’s appearance and identity, I developed the logo and visual identity. To do so, I sought inspiration from nature, as it lies at the heart of the proposed idea.
Additionally, I aimed to convey the notion that the app is a companion on the journey toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Hence, EcoBud emerged—a fusion of the words ‘Ecology’ and ‘Bud’ (short for ‘Buddy,’ signifying friend or companion).
In creating the product’s appearance and identity, I developed the logo and visual identity. To do so, I sought inspiration from nature, as it lies at the heart of the proposed idea.
Additionally, I aimed to convey the notion that the app is a companion on the journey toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Hence, EcoBud emerged—a fusion of the words ‘Ecology’ and ‘Bud’ (short for ‘Buddy,’ signifying friend or companion).
Refining the interface
Having defined the navigation structure, information for each screen, and the visual identity of the application, I carried out the refinement of the interface by applying the defined visual design.
Having defined the navigation structure, information for each screen, and the visual identity of the application, I carried out the refinement of the interface by applying the defined visual design.
04
Validating
Validating
Prototype
To validate the functionality of the application and assess the effectiveness of the proposed solution, I conducted prototyping. Subsequently, I conducted usability tests with 5 users who accepted the invitation to participate during the research phase.
To validate the functionality of the application and assess the effectiveness of the proposed solution, I conducted prototyping. Subsequently, I conducted usability tests with 5 users who accepted the invitation to participate during the research phase.
Usability Testing
The test was conducted via a virtual meeting on Google Meet. All participants received a brief instruction on how the test would be conducted. The interview and usability test were then initiated using the Useberry tool.
After each task, users rated the level of difficulty encountered, where 0 indicated very difficult and 5 very easy.
The test was conducted via a virtual meeting on Google Meet. All participants received a brief instruction on how the test would be conducted. The interview and usability test were then initiated using the Useberry tool.
After each task, users rated the level of difficulty encountered, where 0 indicated very difficult and 5 very easy.
Improvements and Issues Identified
During the tests, several issues and potential improvements in the interface and user experience were identified.
Some of the most commonly mentioned points for enhancing the solution include:
During the tests, several issues and potential improvements in the interface and user experience were identified.
Some of the most commonly mentioned points for enhancing the solution include:
The questionnaire is taking too long to complete.
The questionnaire is taking too long to complete.
(All users - Completion time of up to 8 minutes)
Users found it complicated to assess the annual distance (in kilometers) they would travel using the listed transportation modes in the Transportation section.
Users found it complicated to assess the annual distance (in kilometers) they would travel using the listed transportation modes in the Transportation section.
(Affected users: 4)
The term ‘Store’ appeared confusing or unrelated to reward redemption.
The term ‘Store’ appeared confusing or unrelated to reward redemption.
(Affected users: 4)
05
Learnings and outcomes
Learnings and outcomes
Analyzing the User Experience
During the usability test, several questions were posed to measure interface usage and task difficulty within the application (using Likert scales). Additionally, users’ willingness to use the app in their daily lives and recommend it to others was evaluated through the Net Promoter Score (NPS).
During the usability test, several questions were posed to measure interface usage and task difficulty within the application (using Likert scales). Additionally, users’ willingness to use the app in their daily lives and recommend it to others was evaluated through the Net Promoter Score (NPS).
75% of users (4 out of 5) indicated that they would use the app on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 meant “Never” and 10 meant “Would use always.”
75% of users (4 out of 5) indicated that they would use the app on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 meant “Never” and 10 meant “Would use always.”
The NPS evaluation resulted in a score of 40, with 60% being promoters and 40% detractors. This is considered a reasonable result.
Both of these assessed metrics can gauge user engagement with the application.
The NPS evaluation resulted in a score of 40, with 60% being promoters and 40% detractors. This is considered a reasonable result.
Both of these assessed metrics can gauge user engagement with the application.
The experience of developing this solution has provided me with valuable insights and learnings on how we can enhance our interaction with the environment and society through technology. It was rewarding to create a solution that proved useful for people and laid the groundwork for a more promising future!
🌱🌎✨
The experience of developing this solution has provided me with valuable insights and learnings on how we can enhance our interaction with the environment and society through technology. It was rewarding to create a solution that proved useful for people and laid the groundwork for a more promising future!
🌱🌎✨
Let’s Work Together
Let’s Work Together
Let’s Work Together
Drop me a line!
