Project Scope
Overview
Project
Planter
NAME
CLIENT
University
YEAR
2025
Planter is a social media storytelling application designed to foster a community between plant enthusiasts. Users can post, share, tag and browse media relating to plants, whether it is their own plants or their own plant-based creations. Planter is designed to be user-friendly - easy to navigate and use.
Project Brief
To develop a cross-platform digital storytelling application that can operate seamlessly on multiple devices. The application is to be designed for an older demographic. Important functionalities include being able to sign up and log in, upload content, write posts and browse and share content.
Target
Audience
Planter is aimed at an older audience who want a simple platform to share their enjoyment of plant-related media. Big, bold UI elements provide clear intent and easy navigation, and processes are simplified to make the posting and sharing process seamless.
Design and Development
Objectives
Research the key features of a storytelling social media platform
Design and build an application that is easy to navigate, supplies intuitive functionalities and provides a user-centred and individualised experience
Provide an online community where people can upload, browse and share plant-related content and media to fellow plant lovers
Key
Processes
Conduct semi-structured or non-structured interviews to gather data on the use of social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook
Sketch preliminary designs and features of the application
Create paper prototype testing simulating mobile and desktop applications to gather data and feedback
Develop high-fidelity prototypes that simulates the functions and processes of the application on multiple devices
Undergo further testing to gather advice and feedback
Prototype
Testing
As part of the testing and refining process, two different types of testing were undertaken. Paper prototypes allowed testers to focus on the functionality and features of the application and provide feedback based on their experience. High-fidelity prototype testing allowed testers to provide feedback on aesthetics and interactions in addition to functionality.
Some of the feedback provided include:
Providing a quick tutorial about different features
Add back buttons to certain pages
Making it more clearer on what media has been chosen to upload
Making the font larger and the textboxes easier to press
Final Design
Solution
Planter is a storytelling social media platform aimed at fostering a community for sharing plant-related media and is available on mobile and desktop. Users can upload, browse and share content. The interface is designed to be easy to use and suitable for all ages.
Features of Planter include:
Post media, write stories, add notes and share stories
Communities to share content of specific topics
Filter content with hashtags
Available on various devices including mobile phones and desktops
Reflection
Planter was an older project that I completed. I used Adobe XD for this project and learnt a lot of new skills working on it. It has been a few years since and now that I have a few more years of experience in UI/UX design, if I were to undertake this project again I would design the application in a different way. This project was still very fun to complete though.