What's missing in other apps?

For my competitive analysis, I looked into the most popular social media, recycling app, and online forum on the market: Facebook, Recycle Coach, and Quora. These platforms allowed users to connect with other environmentalists to exchange knowledge and organize events. However, these groups tend to be scattered all over these platforms, and information were often outdated, which caused more confusion to users who had limited time for research.

who’s using green team?

The first step to desiging GREEN TEAM was to identify the potential users of the app. This step was vital as it would determine how the app would function depending on the users' values and needs.

Through the user personas, I recognized that the key users of the app were social media savvy and socially-conscious individuals. These users saw environmental issues as a global effort, and wanted to connect with like-minded people in their local community.

the user journey

Through interviews, I defined the journey that users go through in searching for an app that educate them on recycling methods. Information was typically scattered and contradicting, which made recycling more confusing and time-consuming than necessary. Users opted to seek out forums such as Reddit or relied on Google searches to validate information they found from multiple sources.

Most of the apps available on the market were segmented into trash/recycling pick-up schedules, or recycling for donation/sales purposes. There was not an app that both educated users on environmental topics and allowed them to join local environmentally-related events.

Mapping out the GREEN TEAM flows

Before designing the initial wireframes, I mapped out 2 user flows: Event Selection and Event Creation. These would be the primary flows that guide users on how to navigate through the app.

By making event creation the focal point of the app, I wanted to cultivate a space for users to organize events within their own communities.

the preliminary sketches

Before jumping into the wireframes, I wanted to explore different ways to classify and distribute content throughout the app. I began with sketching out a few ideas for the primary screens. My goal was to highlight the features of GREEN TEAM in the most effective way, so that users could easily identify the purpose of the app.

The initial wireframes

In the first iteration of the wireframes, I wanted to ensure the intention of the platform was clearly illustrated: to connect people to environmentally-centric events in their communities.

I wanted to model GREEN TEAM after other social media apps because their navigations have proven effective. Users would not need to spend more time learning how to navigate the app, therefore they could start joining or creating events to improve their immediate environment.

Designing the core feature: Events

After the initial wireframes, my next step was to define the Event Creation feature. My goal was for users to quickly add new events and upload relevant images and videos. I also wanted to make sure users were aware of which event types are allowed. This helped guide users on how to use the app, so that it would be easier to manage the content created by users.

I also started exploring UI design in this iteration. By experimenting with colors, fonts, and other design patterns, I wanted to jump start the branding process for GREEN TEAM.

Adding educational element to the app

After building out the menu, I decided to make the Events feed as the Homepage. This helped clearly define the app’s purpose - to help users create and find environmentally-related events in their local communities.

I also added the Recycling Locations feature, which allowed users to quickly search for nearby recycling facilities. This feature would be helpful for users who needed a quick guide on where to recycle materials. By including different features, I wanted GREEN TEAM to serve as a one-stop app for all environmental-related needs.

the creative direction

I wanted to elevate the concept of “Save the Environment” from a tired slogan to a contemporary aesthetic. I want to create a serious, refined brand image for GREEN TEAM to differentiate it from other social media and environmental apps on the market.

For the typography, I wanted to go with fonts that feel impactful and energetic. I chose these fonts because they denoted an “active” aesthetic, while also fashionable and contemporary.

For the brand colors, I selected hunter green and cream emulate the lush greens of nature, and the warmth of earthy elements. This color combination evoked a sense of luxury and activeness, which was the tone I wanted to convey for the product.

green explore: a place for discovery

As I was doing research into the environmental movement, I attended a sustainable and ethical market in Los Angeles, where many local “green" brands showcased their products. From “green" beauty, to “green” cleaning products, to “green” fashion, there was a rise in “green” companies in the recent years. However, since the market was still quite niche, I had to rely on Reddit forums to find more information on “green" businesses. The process was time-consuming, and I wanted a tool that could introduce me to more “green” brands.

For version 2.0, I would like to explore the idea of incorporating a marketplace, where users can explore green businesses on a local and global scale. This will serve as a guide for those who want to support environmentally-friendly companies, and could be an opportunity for the app to generate profit via advertising and partnerships. My vision for GREEN TEAM is for it to be a one-stop platform for all environmental-related resources.