The Dirt
A research-driven iOS app where users go to learn about gardening and journal the process.
Check out the full prototype here.
Introduction
An end-to-end design of an iOS mobile gardening app.
MY ROLE
UX/UI Designer
TOOLS
Figma
Google Forms
DURATION
6 months
PROJECT PLAN
Discovering the Problem Space
What problems are we solving for?
Problem Statement // Secondary Research // Competitive Benchmarking
I sought to help novice gardeners feel prepared and well-researched prior to gardening so that they can feel confident and proud of their gardens.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a huge trend to garden, particularly among the Millennial and Gen Z populations.
Upon evaluating competitors, I learned that there was a need for a sleek and exciting design and digestible, bite-sized pieces of information.
New gardeners are spontaneous gardeners.
“18 million new gardeners were welcomed...in 2020, according to the National Gardening Association’s annual survey.”
Getting to Know the User
Who are we designing for?
User Interviews // Personas // Empathy Maps // HMW Statements
Through user surveys and interviews, I learned that beginner gardeners take a let’s-see-what-happens approach, validating the need for quick and easy information.
I interviewed 5 people who were The Dirt’s target audience.
• Had gardening experience or an interest in gardening
• Used a smart phone and apps
“I did like the most minimal amount of research possible. Like, let’s see what happens.”
User Persona
Empathy Map
How-Might-We Statements
User flows identified where potential pain points would occur.
The sitemap influenced information architecture.
AFFINITY MAPPINGS
Ideating a Solution
User Stories // Sketches // Guerilla Tests // Wireframes
Wireframe: Add Plant to My Garden Profile
Wireframe: My Garden Sections
Wireframe: Find Care Information
Wireframe: Create a Reminder
Visual Design
The visual design for The Dirt was inspired by vintage food labels, seed packets, and scaled back, modern designs with clear information architecture. The goal with the inspiration was to bring old pastimes and traditions into the modern era of digital products.
MOODBOARD
Credit:
Planta (left), Vera (right)
My Reflections