Final Year Project
Summary
Project Overview:
This project aimed to explore the various ways in which technology can provide support to community gardens.
Company:
University of Limerick - Final Year Project
Tools:
Adobe Illustrator, Axure RP, Notepad ++
Team:
Individual project I worked on by myself. I received advice and guidance from my supervisor and other college stakeholders.
Platform:
Responsive web
Project Goal:
This was a research based project with a goal of understanding the dynamics of the University of Limerick’s Community Roof Garden, and to propose augmenting the garden with an interactive installation based on.
My Contribution:
I was responsible for working with customers to ensure their branding was applied correctly and that they were happy with the design. I would then generate the apps and submit them to the app stores. I was also responsible for updating old apps and working with the development team on any new design or UX ideas.
Process
Research & Synthesis:
The first step of this project involved researching existing technological products that assist in gardening. Another part of the research stage was to understand the dynamics of community gardens. For this stage, the focus was on the University of Limerick’s Community Roof Garden. This gardening community was researched through ethnographic observation and by interviewing community garden members.
Ideation & Solution generation:
Based on the information gathered in the research stage, I generated various solutions that could help the University of Limerick's Roof Garden. The solution I decided to pursue was an online-based garden map. The aim of this garden map is to inform members and non-members about what is currently growing in the garden. This would help members keep track of what was growing and act as a marketing tool for non-members. The website would also provide additional details about the plants; such as their health benefits or suggested recipes.
UX Design:
I began this stage by creating sketches of the websites layout. The main part of the website is a map based around the layout of the University of Limerick's garden. To the side, there is a selection of the most commonly grown plants in the garden. I created the visuals of the map and the plant icons using Adobe Illustrator.
Prototyping:
I developed the website prototype using HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. In the prototype, users of the website were able to log in and view the map. Users were then able to drag and drop the plant icons to the area of the map where they are growing. I also included a text field where users could write in the name of a plant that had not been pre-added.
Final Outcome:
My Final Year Project helped me achieve a First Class Honors for my B.Sc. Digital Media Design.
Gallery
Wireframes
UL Community Garden
The final prototype
Common plant icons
Final prototype