Citizen Weeds Exile would allow local gardeners to participate in trials of organic weeds prevention methods, with outcomes shared in a community database.
Developed based on FarmFolk CityFolk Citizen Seed Trial - BC-based and non-profit program that aims to research and develop sustainable seed cultivation methods.
Citizen Weeds Exile would allow local gardeners to participate in trials of organic weeds prevention methods, with outcomes shared in a community database.
Developed based on FarmFolk CityFolk Citizen Seed Trial - BC-based and non-profit program that aims to research and develop sustainable seed cultivation methods.
In 2023, canola growth alone witnessed $2.21 billion dollars worth of loses around Canada, due to uncontrolled weeds.
Recently gardeners and farmers have been witnessing rise of herbicide-resistance within weeds.
In 2023, canola growth alone witnessed $2.21 billion dollars worth of loses around Canada, due to uncontrolled weeds.
Recently gardeners and farmers have been witnessing rise of herbicide-resistance within weeds.
UX Research
UX/UI Design
Graphic Design
Secondary Research
Qualitative Research
Usability Testing
Service Design
Figma
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
UX Research
UX/UI Design
Graphic Design
Secondary Research
Qualitative Research
Usability Testing
Service Design
Figma
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Informational website page.
2 kits with resources needed for the program conduction.
Distribution of self-sustainable cultural and biological food growth practices.
Educational opportunities regarding non-chemical weeds management.
Informational website page.
2 kits with resources needed for the program conduction.
Distribution of self-sustainable cultural and biological food growth practices.
Educational opportunities regarding non-chemical weeds management.
Secondary research was conducted as a first step, to gain a wider understanding of problem space.
Provided insight into existing services (gov. of BC policies, private weeds management companies) and weeds prevention methods (biological control, intercropping, etc.).
Secondary research was conducted as a first step, to gain a wider understanding of problem space.
Provided insight into existing services (gov. of BC policies, private weeds management companies) and weeds prevention methods (biological control, intercropping, etc.).
Key findings:
While there is a line of cultural and non chemical weeds control methods, they are not widely known.
Chemical weeds management requires regular re-instalment, which leads to extra spending.
Key findings:
While there is a line of cultural and non chemical weeds control methods, they are not widely known.
Chemical weeds management requires regular re-instalment, which leads to extra spending.
Ecosystem map was created to visualize ways in which the new program would fit within the larger social systems
Benefits:
Stimulate health of local plants by preventing exposure to the harmful chemicals.
Would lower the amount of money and time it takes a farmer or a gardener to limit the growth of weeds
Ecosystem map was created to visualize ways in which the new program would fit within the larger social systems
Benefits:
Stimulate health of local plants by preventing exposure to the harmful chemicals.
Would lower the amount of money and time it takes a farmer or a gardener to limit the growth of weeds
Risks:
If used long-term, the noxious plants are likely to develop resistance tactics.
People might still prefer herbicide consumption due to simplicity of use
Risks:
If used long-term, the noxious plants are likely to develop resistance tactics.
People might still prefer herbicide consumption due to simplicity of use
Returning to the client, the business model canvas was used to analyze existing FarmFolk CityFolk systems and visualize what resources would be required for Citizen Weeds Exile to co-exist.
This way we can understand what would need to be added to an already existing business, and where current structures can be utilized.
Returning to the client, the business model canvas was used to analyze existing FarmFolk CityFolk systems and visualize what resources would be required for Citizen Weeds Exile to co-exist.
This way we can understand what would need to be added to an already existing business, and where current structures can be utilized.
With the addition of Citizen Weeds Exile, FarmFolk CityFolk would help limit food waste and develop more sustainable food growth practices for those concerned with issues of ecology.
With the addition of Citizen Weeds Exile, FarmFolk CityFolk would help limit food waste and develop more sustainable food growth practices for those concerned with issues of ecology.
click on the image above to get a closer look
click on the image above to get a closer look
Once the research has been compiled, I began developing a general service system.
The storyboard was used as a simple visualization of the service structure:
Signing-up for the program on the website.
Receiving the chosen kit.
Registering with the SeedLinked app.
Planting the plants.
Monitoring their growth.
Finishing up and sharing the insights.
Once the research has been compiled, I began developing a general service system.
The storyboard was used as a simple visualization of the service structure:
Signing-up for the program on the website.
Receiving the chosen kit.
Registering with the SeedLinked app.
Planting the plants.
Monitoring their growth.
Finishing up and sharing the insights.
Once the general flow was decided, I further created a service blueprint to outline the detailed steps that would need to happen in each section, from users, workers and plants themselves.
Key points:
Attention to the users experiences (both positive and negative) throughout all the steps.
Consideration of the storage of the seeds and plants that are being used.
Details about needed materials, resources and preparation work.
Expectations from the staff and volunteers.
Once the general flow was decided, I further created a service blueprint to outline the detailed steps that would need to happen in each section, from users, workers and plants themselves.
Key points:
Attention to the users experiences (both positive and negative) throughout all the steps.
Consideration of the storage of the seeds and plants that are being used.
Details about needed materials, resources and preparation work.
Expectations from the staff and volunteers.
click on the image above to get a closer look
click on the image above to get a closer look
The user journey map was modeled after the service blueprint seen above, to highlight the general flow of user experience.
It focuses on the emotional journey of users and the wellbeing of the plants (both wanted and noxious ones).
The user journey map was modeled after the service blueprint seen above, to highlight the general flow of user experience.
It focuses on the emotional journey of users and the wellbeing of the plants (both wanted and noxious ones).
FarmFolk CityFolk, relies on standard mailing through postal envelopes for the shipment of seeds in currently existing programs.
FarmFolk CityFolk, relies on standard mailing through postal envelopes for the shipment of seeds in currently existing programs.
Based on that information, I developed the envelopes into simpler kits made for those who posses more gardening experiences and therefore would require less resources.
Based on that information, I developed the envelopes into simpler kits made for those who posses more gardening experiences and therefore would require less resources.
The first prototypes were inspired by the color theme of Canada thistle - an invasive plant that has originally inspired this project. The purple-ish pink and cool green tones were mixed with illustrations of Canada thistle in 3 formats.
The first prototypes were inspired by the color theme of Canada thistle - an invasive plant that has originally inspired this project. The purple-ish pink and cool green tones were mixed with illustrations of Canada thistle in 3 formats.
Additionally to the original envelopes, I have developed box kits. They would be made for the participants who are newer to gardening and therefore would need more support and guidance throughout the program.
Additionally to the original envelopes, I have developed box kits. They would be made for the participants who are newer to gardening and therefore would need more support and guidance throughout the program.
The boxes were based upon the same visual theme as envelopes above, with a darker color palette being introduced to prevent the boxes from getting as easily stained. Darker colors would additionally help absorb light and keep the seeds inside warm
The boxes were based upon the same visual theme as envelopes above, with a darker color palette being introduced to prevent the boxes from getting as easily stained. Darker colors would additionally help absorb light and keep the seeds inside warm
In order to gather feedback on the visual presentation of the prototypes, I have asked 6 fellow designers their opinions regarding the kits presented above.
In order to gather feedback on the visual presentation of the prototypes, I have asked 6 fellow designers their opinions regarding the kits presented above.
The envelopes:
The lighter color palette was overall received much better than the dark one
The 3-letter layout was fount to be too chaotic.
2 of the participants wished for the 3 flowers on the last envelope design to be visually more connected.
The envelopes:
The lighter color palette was overall received much better than the dark one
The 3-letter layout was fount to be too chaotic.
2 of the participants wished for the 3 flowers on the last envelope design to be visually more connected.
The box kits:
The darker color palette was overall found to be hard to read.
3 of the participants spoke to the legibility issues due to the lack of contrast within the prints
The purple color was also found to be too bright for the overall design and a softer illustration of the plants.
The box kits:
The darker color palette was overall found to be hard to read.
3 of the participants spoke to the legibility issues due to the lack of contrast within the prints
The purple color was also found to be too bright for the overall design and a softer illustration of the plants.
Based on the received feedback, I updated the prototype sets to better match user expectations:
Changed the layout of the envelope, to better assist the visual alignment of the composition
The color palette was changed to a more neutral one to assist with legibility and better match the warm and "springy" nature of the service.
Based on the received feedback, I updated the prototype sets to better match user expectations:
Changed the layout of the envelope, to better assist the visual alignment of the composition
The color palette was changed to a more neutral one to assist with legibility and better match the warm and "springy" nature of the service.
Additionally, I have developed the standard of what the kits would contain, to match their respective user groups (advanced gardeners for envelopes and beginners for boxes).
Each envelope would come with:
The set of seeds needed for the program
A card with QR codes to the trial instructions & additional resources
Additionally, I have developed the standard of what the kits would contain, to match their respective user groups (advanced gardeners for envelopes and beginners for boxes).
Each envelope would come with:
The set of seeds needed for the program
A card with QR codes to the trial instructions & additional resources
Additionally to the original envelopes, I have developed box kits. They would be made for the participants who are newer to gardening and therefore would need more support and guidance throughout the program.
Additionally to the original envelopes, I have developed box kits. They would be made for the participants who are newer to gardening and therefore would need more support and guidance throughout the program.
The beginner kits would contain:
Simple foldable tools, such as gardening shovel, fork and shears
Printed instructions booklet (a QR code with access to the digital format would be available as well)
Built-in pot starters (could be used as temporary pots until proper planting space is found)
The beginner kits would contain:
Simple foldable tools, such as gardening shovel, fork and shears
Printed instructions booklet (a QR code with access to the digital format would be available as well)
Built-in pot starters (could be used as temporary pots until proper planting space is found)
The 3 kit covers were developed based on the same design seen on the envelopes.
I removed the program name from the covers themselves, as the box kit would come with a belly bend, that would contain the company specifics. Additionally, the top cover would feature stickered tabs that would cover the pot holes.
The 3 kit covers were developed based on the same design seen on the envelopes.
I removed the program name from the covers themselves, as the box kit would come with a belly bend, that would contain the company specifics. Additionally, the top cover would feature stickered tabs that would cover the pot holes.
Designed to match FarmFolk CityFolk's existing website, the program's web page would:
Provide general insights into structure of Citizen Weeds Exile.
Sign up for the program.
Provide info on specific trials being researched each season.
Allow to sign up for the preferred trial.
Designed to match FarmFolk CityFolk's existing website, the program's web page would:
Provide general insights into structure of Citizen Weeds Exile.
Sign up for the program.
Provide info on specific trials being researched each season.
Allow to sign up for the preferred trial.
After the plants have been planted, the participants would simply be expected to follow the instructions and regularly report the results back through SeedLinked - an external software that FarmFolk CityFolk currently partners with for data collection and retention.
After the plants have been planted, the participants would simply be expected to follow the instructions and regularly report the results back through SeedLinked - an external software that FarmFolk CityFolk currently partners with for data collection and retention.
The biggest challenge, and a learning opportunity, was combining the scientific research of weeds prevention methods with a service development project.
I had to give myself extra space to fully understand the benefits and limitations of different approaches to the gardening techniques while emphasizing with the gardeners' and farmers' experiences.
The biggest challenge, and a learning opportunity, was combining the scientific research of weeds prevention methods with a service development project.
I had to give myself extra space to fully understand the benefits and limitations of different approaches to the gardening techniques while emphasizing with the gardeners' and farmers' experiences.
As this project did not allow for any usability testing of the functionality, moving forward, I would want a chance to try out the developed prototypes with participants and those involved with FarmFolk CityFolk to gain a better understanding of their functionality.
It would also be beneficial to have the prototypes developed into properly made boxes and envelopes, instead of the makeshift ones, for better understanding of how higher quality materials would work.
As this project did not allow for any usability testing of the functionality, moving forward, I would want a chance to try out the developed prototypes with participants and those involved with FarmFolk CityFolk to gain a better understanding of their functionality.
It would also be beneficial to have the prototypes developed into properly made boxes and envelopes, instead of the makeshift ones, for better understanding of how higher quality materials would work.
Citizen Weeds Exile would allow local gardeners to participate in trials of organic weeds prevention methods, shared in a community database.
Developed based on FarmFolk CityFolk Citizen Seed Trial - BC-based and non-profit program that aims to research and develop sustainable seed cultivation methods.
In 2023, canola growth alone witnessed $2.21 billion dollars worth of loses around Canada, due to uncontrolled weeds.
Recently gardeners and farmers have been witnessing rise of herbicide-resistance within weeds.
UX Research
UX/UI Design
Graphic Design
Secondary Research
Qualitative Research
Usability Testing
Service Design
Figma
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Find non-chemical & cyclical weeds management systems.
Develop cultural and biological food growth practices that are self-sustainable.
Provide educational opportunities for those interested in gardening.
Secondary research was conducted as a first step, to gain a wider understanding of problem space.
Provided insight into existing services (gov. of BC policies, private weeds management companies) and weeds prevention methods (biological control, intercropping, etc.).
Key findings:
While there is a line of cultural and non chemical weeds control methods, they are not widely known.
Chemical weeds management requires regular re-instalment, which leads to extra spending.
Ecosystem map was created to visualize ways in which the new program would fit within the larger social systems
Benefits:
Stimulate health of local plants by preventing exposure to the harmful chemicals.
Would lower the amount of money and time it takes a farmer or a gardener to limit the growth of weeds
Risks:
If used long-term, the noxious plants are likely to develop resistance tactics.
People might still prefer herbicide consumption due to simplicity of use
Returning to the client, the business model canvas was used to analyze existing FarmFolk CityFolk systems and visualize what resources would be required for Citizen Weeds Exile to co-exist.
This way we can understand what would need to be added to an already existing business, and where current structures can be utilized.
With the addition of Citizen Weeds Exile, FarmFolk CityFolk would help limit food waste and develop more sustainable food growth practices for those concerned with issues of ecology.
Once the research has been compiled, I began developing a general service system.
The storyboard was used as a simple visualization of the service structure:
Signing-up for the program on the website.
Receiving the chosen kit.
Registering with the SeedLinked app.
Planting the plants.
Monitoring their growth.
Finishing up and sharing the insights.
Once the general flow was decided, I further created a service blueprint to outline the detailed steps that would need to happen in each section, from users, workers and plants themselves.
Key points:
Attention to the users experiences (both positive and negative) throughout all the steps.
Consideration of the storage of the seeds and plants that are being used.
Details about needed materials, resources and preparation work.
Expectations from the staff and volunteers.
The user journey map was modeled after the service blueprint seen above, to highlight the general flow of user experience.
It focuses on the emotional journey of users and the wellbeing of the plants (both wanted and noxious ones).
FarmFolk CityFolk, relies on standard mailing through postal envelopes for the shipment of seeds in currently existing programs.
Based on that information, I developed the envelopes into simpler kits made for those who posses more gardening experiences and therefore would require less resources.
The first prototypes were inspired by the color theme of Canada thistle - an invasive plant that has originally inspired this project. The purple-ish pink and cool green tones were mixed with illustrations of Canada thistle in 3 formats.
Additionally to the original envelopes, I have developed box kits. They would be made for the participants who are newer to gardening and therefore would need more support and guidance throughout the program.
The boxes were based upon the same visual theme as envelopes above, with a darker color palette being introduced to prevent the boxes from getting as easily stained. Darker colors would additionally help absorb light and keep the seeds inside warm
In order to gather feedback on the visual presentation of the prototypes, I have asked 6 fellow designers their opinions regarding the kits presented above.
The envelopes:
The lighter color palette was overall received much better than the dark one
The 3-letter layout was fount to be too chaotic.
2 of the participants wished for the 3 flowers on the last envelope design to be visually more connected.
The box kits:
The darker color palette was overall found to be hard to read.
3 of the participants spoke to the legibility issues due to the lack of contrast within the prints
The purple color was also found to be too bright for the overall design and a softer illustration of the plants.
Based on the received feedback, I updated the prototype sets to better match user expectations:
Changed the layout of the envelope, to better assist the visual alignment of the composition
The color palette was changed to a more neutral one to assist with legibility and better match the warm and "springy" nature of the service.
Additionally, I have developed the standard of what the kits would contain, to match their respective user groups (advanced gardeners for envelopes and beginners for boxes).
Each envelope would come with:
The set of seeds needed for the program
A card with QR codes to the trial instructions & additional resources
Additionally to the original envelopes, I have developed box kits. They would be made for the participants who are newer to gardening and therefore would need more support and guidance throughout the program.
The beginner kits would contain:
Simple foldable tools, such as gardening shovel, fork and shears
Printed instructions booklet (a QR code with access to the digital format would be available as well)
Built-in pot starters (could be used as temporary pots until proper planting space is found)
The 3 kit covers were developed based on the same design seen on the envelopes.
I removed the program name from the covers themselves, as the box kit would come with a belly bend, that would contain the company specifics. Additionally, the top cover would feature stickered tabs that would cover the pot holes.
Designed to match FarmFolk CityFolk's existing website, the program's web page would:
Provide general insights into structure of Citizen Weeds Exile.
Sign up for the program.
Provide info on specific trials being researched each season.
Allow to sign up for the preferred trial.
After the plants have been planted, the participants would simply be expected to follow the instructions and regularly report the results back through SeedLinked - an external software that FarmFolk CityFolk currently partners with for data collection and retention.
The biggest challenge, and a learning opportunity, was combining the scientific research of weeds prevention methods with a service development project.
I had to give myself extra space to fully understand the benefits and limitations of different approaches to the gardening techniques while emphasizing with the gardeners' and farmers' experiences.
As this project did not allow for any usability testing of the functionality, moving forward, I would want a chance to try out the developed prototypes with participants and those involved with FarmFolk CityFolk to gain a better understanding of their functionality.
It would also be beneficial to have the prototypes developed into properly made boxes and envelopes, instead of the makeshift ones, for better understanding of how higher quality materials would work.