The Brief
This concept was derived from my final capstone project for my undergraduate program in partnership with Rogers. Working with my group, after team deliberation with our various digital twin concepts, we ended up selecting my greenhouse concept as our choice. This concept stemmed from roots of my grandparents being farmers and a large portion of my family being involved in farmering in southwestern Ontario. The digital twin greenhouse management software is a revolutionary tool designed to help greenhouse owners and operators plan, manage, and predict their greenhouse operations. As the UX designer for this project, I used a variety of design methods to create an application that is easy to use, efficient, and visually appealing.
The Process
Research and Analysis
To begin the design process, I conducted extensive research on the greenhouse industry, including the challenges faced by greenhouse owners and operators, and the technology currently available for managing greenhouse operations. This included going out into the field and interviewing greenhouse owners and operators to see where they face challenges, where they have pain points and where they currently integrate technology. I also collected industry data through surveys sent out to industry leaders around Ontario. This feedback was used to influence design decisions for aspects such as our MVP and wireframes, as well as business viable decisions to make the product better for the end user.
User Personas and User Flows
Next, we created user personas to better understand the needs and goals of different types of users. Our target users were greenhouse owners and operators that were operating in larger commercial and industrial greenhouse settings. We then created user flows that catered to the different needs of each persona, ensuring that the app was easy to use and provided relevant information to each user.
Wireframing and Prototyping
Using the insights gained from my research and analysis, I created low-fidelity wireframes to visualize the overall layout and functionality of the app. I then created high-fidelity prototypes using Figma, incorporating design elements such as typography, colour schemes, and icons to create a visually appealing interface.
Usability Testing
I conducted several rounds of usability testing with individuals who fit my user personas to validate my design decisions and identify any potential issues or areas for improvement. I made changes based on user feedback and iterated on my designs until I was confident in the final product.
The Results
Final Design
The final design of the digital twin greenhouse management software is an intuitive, user-friendly application that helps greenhouse owners and operators plan, manage, and predict their greenhouse operations. The app features easy-to-use features, such as greenhouse simulations, forecasting, and data analytics, and provides users with a seamless experience that simplifies their daily tasks. The app also features a visually appealing interface that reflects the target audience's preferences and culture.