‘The Amazonas Project’ is a non-profit organisation that is looking to safeguard the Amazonian rainforest and protect its fragile and at risk ecosystem.
USER RESEARCH: SUMMARY
I conducted interviews and created empathy maps to better understand the needs of the target user. I also researched similar organisations trying to find points that can be improved. The research showed that users are concerned about the situation in the Amazonas but do not know how to get involved and how to be of help when far away. Therefore, a tool that could help users get involved and support the cause, even from a distance, would be welcomed and useful.
USER PERSONAS
ideation
I started sketching ideas for the app based on user research and gaps found in the competitive audit. I focused on ways to address the donation feature and showcasing the endangered species list.
digital wireframes
After the ideation process on paper, I moved onto creating digital wireframes for The Amazonas Project app focusing on the donation feature and the endangered species list.
lo-fi prototype
I created a lo-fi prototype of the app in order to conduct a usability testing of the app functionality.
I conducted a usability test in order to see if users could find all features and complete core tasks within the app’s prototype, as well as to find any challenges or difficulties using the app.
usability study: findings
1. Sign up for newsletters: users would like to sign up for newsletters without having to make a donation
2. Endangered species list: users do not know how to access the full endangered species list from the homepage
3. Statement: users want to know more about the statement of the organisation before donating
Refining the design
Based on insights from the usability testing, I added a section in the homepage for users to sign up for newsletters without having to make a donation.
Additional design changes included connecting the ‘endangered species’ title to the endangered species list page, as well as a statement message on the hero image of the homepage.
Hi-fi prototype
ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS
Accessible icons for the navigation which can be understood by all app users
Clear layout to make content readable and easy to understand
Clear labels for the navigation menu and interactive elements that can be read by screen readers
TAKEAWAYS
What I learned:
There is no doubt about the importance of the protection and preservation of the Amazonian rainforest - a cause that is very dear to my heart and hence, made the project very interesting and challenging. Despite it being a big environmental issue, I tried to focus on prioritising the information the target audience wants to see and what would help with the core task, which is donating to help protect the endangered species of the Amazonas.
Next steps:
• Conduct further research on the app’s success in collecting donations for endangered species in the Amazonian rainforest and how to further improve and raise awareness for the endangered species in the Amazonian rainforest.