Full Stack Development of a CO2 Calculator
In my undergraduate dissertation, I tackled the pressing issue of climate change by designing Terra, a platform aimed at empowering users to reduce their carbon footprint. This case study outlines my research, design process, and the development of Terra, emphasising the role of UX design in addressing complex societal challenges.
Timeline
2022
Role
Project Manager UX Researcher UX Designer Web Developer
Tools
Asana Google Form Figma HTML CSS PHP MySQL
Problem
In 1979, scientists convened at the inaugural World Climate Conference in Geneva, recognizing an unprecedented climate emergency driven by human activity.Despite increasing awareness of the risks, many individuals struggle to grasp how their actions affect the environment, hindering efforts to enact meaningful change through daily habits.
Solution
A viable solution to address this problem is a carbon footprint calculator. This tool enables users to assess various aspects of their lives in terms of environmental impact, fostering a deeper understanding of the consequences of individual actions. Carbon footprint calculators have shown promise in raising public awareness of environmental issues and facilitating behavioural changes.
My research included competitive analysis to better understand the UX of CO2 calculator platforms and the flows of information-rich sites. User surveys helped me identify the key needs and motivations of potential users. Lastly, one-on-one interviews provided qualitative and emotional insight into key points of users’ journeys. Analyzing research findings and categorising insights, I recognized an opportunity to create a user-friendly platform that integrates carbon tracking and scientific articles with actionable recommendations. This led to the conceptualization of Terra, with a focus on simplicity, intuitiveness, and frictionless user experiences.
Persona
I created a persona from brief interviews with current brand users, as a way to encapsulate the characteristics of a typical user of the Pets at Home application. I used this persona throughout the redesign to inform design decisions and make sure they aligned with the personas' behaviours.
I translated research insights into wireframes, prioritizing usability and clarity in the design process. Iterative testing sessions allowed for the refinement of the interface, ensuring a seamless user experience across devices. The result was a polished design ready for development.
Usability testing sessions provided valuable feedback for iterating on the prototype. Through iterative design improvements, I addressed usability issues and refined Terra's functionality to better meet user needs. This iterative approach ensured that Terra evolved into a user-centric platform.
During this project, I have learnt many things. Firstly, I have learnt the importance of listening to the users and potential users. I have also learnt flexibility when it comes to project deliverables with adjustments of sprints for a timely delivery. Finally, I have enjoyed receiving feedback and have particularly appreciated when there were suggestions for improvement.