Project Overview
Creating a design solution to challenge climate doomism among Gen Z
Kudo is a project developed during a core class at SVA, in collaboration with WILDGRID, a solar energy startup. The initial prompt challenged us to increase Gen Z's participation in climate action.
As a design solution, I created 'Kudo,' an app that uses gamified daily missions and a virtual pet to make climate action engaging and rewarding for Gen Z, effectively addressing pervasive climate pessimism.
My Impacts
Throughout the project timeline, I led the design process and project management.
Design
Led the design of user interface with creating style guides, UI components, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes to ensure consistent and intuitive user experience.
Research
Conducted secondary research, 10 user interviews, and user testing
Synthesized the insights into viable design ideas.
Communication
Managed project schedules, structured meeting agendas, and wrote summaries of meeting discussions to ensure that every teammates are on the same page.
Process
To tackle the problem, we followed a five-step UX design process framework.The process was not linear, we iterated the process to refine designs to meet users' needs.
01
Research&
emphathize
02
Define the
problem
03
Ideate
04
Prototype
05
Test&
iterations
Research&
emphathize
To understand what hinders Gen Z to take climate actions, I conducted 3 user interviews out of 10 total interviews.
In this interviews, we aimed to learn about users' commitment to environmental efforts, causes of climate anxiety, and their readiness to take action.
Insights
Limited Time
Full calendars impairing eco-task ranking
Pessimism
Doubts regarding individual impact on climate change
Expensive Price
Preference for cost-effective, accessible climate solutions
Ideate
With the new narrowed challenge, I led design sprint—Crazy 8 to create innovative ideas effectively help Gen Z take climate actions. y teammates and I brainstormed different design opportunities.
Sorting out similar ideas, voted based on important points from user research to select effective design solution.
Through the ideation, we got 4 Ideas. and assessing ideas for efficient impact. In order to have the design solution that have the most impact with less efforts, we voted to based on the criterias from the interview research findings.
Assessing ideas
Virtual pet app
Viability
Positivity
Motivation
Affordability
Energy-saving app
Complex logistics
Viability
Hands-on DIY kit
Requires time/effort
Affordability
Positive climate news app
Motivation
Viability
Prototype
I created a paper prototype to have quick user testing. The goal was to understand if the concept is valid to target users.
Final Designs
Bite-Sized Action,
Big Impact
Kudo empowers you to make a difference with daily climate missions that are both easy and engaging!
Earn Rewards,
Grow Your Impact
Earn "Cloud Points" by completing missions and use them to unlock adorable outfits for your virtual pet. The happier your pet, the more motivated you'll be to keep taking action!
Connect & Share
Your Journey
Build a supportive sustainable community with friends! Share your progress, inspire each other, and show off your stylish pet to the world. You're not alone in going green!
Success Metrics
This app’s success can be evaluated with these three factors.
User Retention
Rate
Net Promoter
Score
Paid Partnerships with Business
Final Takeaways
While working on this project for 15 weeks with 3 teammates from different backgrounds, I've learned a lot while going through unexpected challenges with my team.
If I had More Time...
I would perform further user tests and revisions for the design, as it’s what I relish most, leading to a product that is more focused on user needs. Our fortnight design process constrained our ability to carry out numerous tests.
I'd develop a comprehensive UI system guideline, considering WCAG accessibility guidelines for a more inclusive experience.
What I've learned…
I realized the importance of intentional decision-making for an efficient workflow. My team faced numerous iterations because of unclear objectives. This taught me to keep goals in mind and consider next steps, leading to a smoother design process.
I discovered that open communication can improve a product. When we are having different opinions, i embraced honest discussions. I believe it strengthened teamwork and helped us progress effectively, resulting in a better end product.
