01 SUMMARY
Challenge:
Although the Western Monarch population has declined by over 99% since the 80’s, most citizens of the San Francisco East Bay Area are unaware of the problem.
Action:
Our team tackled an unfamiliar problem with strong commitment. I focused on research, highlighting conversations with experts that showed hands-on experiences enhance learning. other users preferred low-cost, efficient solutions. When a team member stepped down, I took on extra duties and led the team to finish on time!
Result:
The solution we came up with was a a low-cost low-cost Monarch Habitat Kit that required very little time that could be sold at the local nurseries.
The Monarch Kit Team:
MASA MLAKAR, ERIK MENCHES, YURIK RIEGEL
User Research | Brainstorming | User Journey | Prototyping | Usability Testing | Human-Centered Design
02 PROBLEM
Faced with this enormous problem and limited resources to address it… our intrepid team asked the question:
How do we get East Bay citizens more involved in saving the Monarch Butterfly?
03 DISCOVERY
RESEARCH
METHODS
Our team knew very little about the overwhelming issues behind the Monarch’s decline. Copious interviews were performed with experts and stakeholders, targeted surveys sent, and getting outside involving analogous experiences. I highlight the outstanding and thorough work we did on discovery here in the RESEARCH DEEP DIVE. Thanks to the amazing pollinator enthusiasts and dedicated non-profits super-stars who generously gave us their time!
The problem is complex and overwhelming and people want to feel empowered
Would like to see some data, to make it more real.
It is best to show people through experience. That is the best way for them to learn.
As people learn in nature, they feel empowered, excited, and want to do more.
04 BRAINSTORMING
We gathered our insights and ideas from different sources. Eventually themes and patterns started showing up and we were able to put them into 8 categories. We then narrowed it down to five categories that we thought were strongest, and then eventually three which could work within the parameters of the project.
KEY INSIGHTS WE CHOSE TO WORK WITH:
PROOF
People want to see data on how the Monarchs existence/ decline and how it affects them. Does their decline pose danger to society or cause damage to the earth?
BARRIERS
People care but they don’t have the time or money to help. Hard to prioritize over worthy causes.
INTERACTIVE
People learn and retain information better when they actively partake in a hands-on game, process, event or experience.
05 HOW MIGHT WE…
- Provide the information needed to show how Monarch decline affects people?
- Inform people on the Monarch issue in amore engaging / interactive way?
- Show people how to spend almost no time or money and still help the Monarch?
- Help people make the connection between pesticides, organic food and endangered insects like the Monarch?
06 PROTOTYPING
Our team brainstormed dozens of solutions and eventually hit upon some kind of simple and inexpensive garden kit that would help people create a Monarch Butterfly habitat and then act as a vehicle for educating and further action.
WE DESIGNED AN AVATAR JOURNEY:
WE DESIGNED A PRODUCT:
Monarch Habitat Kit Prototype Front.
We wanted to use bright colors and hit people with urgency.
Monarch Habitat Kit Prototype Left Side.
Simple Directions. Everything you need in one purchase.
Monarch Habitat Kit Prototype
Right Side.
Giving people data and not shying away from the reality and urgency of the Monarch’s decline.
Monarch Habitat Kit Prototype Back.
Simple Directions. Information on how to donate.
07 USER TESTING AND ITERATION
Potential users and garden employees were surveyed at nurseries and asked a variety of questions, for suggestions to improve it, and areas of confusion. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. They loved the idea, the package and message, convenience, and price point. They had useful feedback.
We Learned:
- The product seemed to appeal to more highly environmental and less expensive establishments.
- These establishments wanted something with no plastic and be biodegradable.
- Their needed to be more space to start a larger number of plants
- The mason jar was too small and lacked drainage holes
Monarch Survival Kit 2.0
After some trial and error, an elegant solution was discovered as we hit upon the idea of an egg carton. The carton was totally biodgradible and allowed for the user to plant a great many separate plants and especially milkweed, which is essential for the monarch’s survival. Individual compartments could even be cut out and buried.
08 CONCLUSION
Lessons
- It is important to remember that having a team increases how much you can do and how many skillsets move things quickly, and it can also add unpredictability and the need for someone to lead.
- I enjoy leading groups
- I love talking to people.
- I enjoy all aspects of UX design, but falling in love the problem and empathizing with people made for a much richer solution.
- Expect the unexpected!
Summary
Although the Western Monarch population has declined by over 99% since the 80’s, most citizens of the San Francisco East Bay Area are unaware of the problem.
Our key insights were that people in the fast-paced urban environment of the San Francisco Bay Area felt moved to help, but wanted a low-cost solution that required little time, and also that people learn and retain information better when they actively partake in a hands-on game or experience.
The solution we came up with was a low-cost Monarch Habitat Kit that could be sold at the local nurseries.
CASE STUDIES
EDUCATION PC AND MOBILE APP
Wireframes, User Flows, Storyboarding, Product Design, User Research, UI Design
COMMUNITY MOBILE PHONE APP
Product Design, User Research, UI Design