What The Plant App
Overview
Designed a mobile plant identification and care application focused on helping users access accurate, easy-to-understand information about plant species. The app addresses common frustrations with existing plant care tools by providing detailed plant information, expert-backed resources, personalized organization, and a more intuitive user experience. The project focused on user research, information architecture, mobile interface design, prototyping, and iterative improvements based on usability testing.
Project Type: Mobile Application Design
Software Used: Figma, Affinity Designer
My Role
I was responsible for the complete UX and visual design process, including research, competitive analysis, information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, interface design, branding, and usability testing. I created the app structure, designed the user flows, developed the visual system, and refined the experience based on user feedback.
Project Goals & Results
The goal of this project was to design a plant care application that made identifying plants and accessing reliable care information easier and more enjoyable for users.
Goals
- Identify pain points within existing plant identification and care applications
- Create a simple and intuitive plant identification experience
- Design an organized system for users to save and manage their plants
- Provide clear, trustworthy plant information through effective content hierarchy
- Develop a consistent visual identity and mobile design system
Results
- Created a complete mobile app concept from initial research through high-fidelity prototype
- Designed an intuitive plant identification flow, library system, and plant care experience
- Improved usability through multiple rounds of testing and iteration
- Developed a reusable design system to maintain consistency across the application
- Created a cohesive brand identity including logo, typography, colors, and interface components
Process
Brainstorming & Research
The project began with exploring potential features, layouts, and branding concepts. I conducted competitive research and analyzed existing plant identification applications to identify opportunities for improving the user experience.
Sitemap & Information Architecture
I created a sitemap to organize the application's navigation and content structure. This helped establish clear relationships between features and ensured users could easily access plant information, identifications, and saved collections.
Paper Wireframes
I created low-fidelity paper wireframes to quickly explore different layouts and user flows. This allowed me to test ideas and make structural decisions before moving into digital design.
Digital Wireframes
The selected concepts were translated into digital wireframes in Figma. These wireframes established screen layouts, interactions, and navigation patterns before developing high-fidelity designs.
High-Fidelity Mockups
I created detailed mockups to visualize the final application experience, including the plant identification process, plant library, account screens, and plant detail pages.
Iteration I
Testing revealed that users wanted a way to revisit past identifications and to be able to group plants by room.
Solution: Add a three category toggle to sort plants into the rooms they are located and to provide users with access to their identification history.
Iteration II
Testing revealed that users wanted a way to verify that information was credible.
Solution: Add a green circle around the profile photo of accounts that are verified experts.
Logo
The final logo design features a cactus mascot and the name of the app.
Branding & Design System
I created the final brand identity, including the app logo, color palette, typography, and interface components. A design system was developed to maintain consistency throughout the application and support future expansion.
Takeaways
One of the biggest lessons I took from this project is that even small design choices can make a huge impact on how users experience a product. It really reminded me how important it is to keep the user at the center of every decision. Just because something seems like a cool or helpful feature doesn’t mean it actually improves the experience; in fact, it can sometimes overcomplicate things. This project challenged me to take a step back and ask: “Is this really helping the user?”
Successes
I’m especially proud of the logo I created for this app; it has a ton of personality and really helps the brand stand out from competitors. Overall, I loved the process of designing this app. It forced me to think differently and let go of some of my own assumptions about what the app should include. I had to be honest with myself about what was working and what wasn’t, and make choices based on what would actually benefit the end user. That mindset shift was huge for me.
Changes
If I were to go back and tweak anything, I’d revisit the way the plant information pages are set up. Right now, sections like “water” and “sunlight” are functional, but I think they could be streamlined to make more sense visually and structurally. I’d love to give that part of the app a more polished, cohesive look that matches the tone of the rest of the design.
Contact
I’m always excited to connect and discuss new opportunities, projects, or collaborations. Whether you have a question, a project idea, or want to work together, feel free to reach out!