Timeline
September 2023
My Role
UX Designer / Researcher
Student Project
CONTEXT
Empowering Giant Otter's Conservation through Technology
This case study investigates the impact of human development on ecosystem conservation, specifically focusing on the Giant Otter in the Amazon Rainforest, a critical indicator of the health of one of the world's most biodiverse regions. The potential loss of the Giant Otter could significantly disrupt its ecosystem, adversely affecting many species and the overall ecological balance of the Amazon.
My research, while not directly associated with the Frankfurt Zoological Society of Peru (FZS Peru), is built upon their extensive efforts in conserving the Giant Otter. Utilizing publicly available data and insights from their initiatives, the goal is to explore the conservation challenges facing the Giant Otter and their wider environmental implications. The project aims to bridge the gap in public awareness and engagement through the use of technology, crafting a tool that not only educates but also motivates collective action towards the conservation of this essential species.
PROBLEM
Fighting Against Habitat Destruction and Illegal Hunting
Local communities and conservationists are facing significant challenges in ensuring the well-being of the Giant Otter, a species integral to the Amazon's biodiversity. The threats of illegal hunting and human-induced habitat destruction, combined with a scarcity of engagement tools and resources, pose serious risks to their survival.
By addressing these critical issues, we can significantly improve our conservation efforts, ensuring the Giant Otter's continued presence in the Amazon. Effective strategies and solutions are essential to overcome these obstacles, safeguarding the future of this majestic species and maintaining the ecological balance of their habitat.
SOLUTION
Improving Conservation Education with AI
The OtterOracle app uses AI to instantly provide information and insights on the Giant Otter, promoting conservation efforts. It personalizes learning with accurate facts, suggested topics, and multimedia, while encouraging action through quick interactions, conservation steps, and rewards for user participation. Incorporating indigenous stories, gamification, and real-world activity recommendations, OtterOracle creates a compelling, educational experience focused on environmental preservation.
Major Findings
The Amazon's biodiversity faces threats without a centralized digital platform for information and conservation engagement.
A general lack of awareness and engagement, alongside underrepresented community voices, impedes effective conservation.
Users seek transparency in donation use and active participation opportunities, with rewards for their conservation efforts.
Conservation information is fragmented across sources, lacking real-world connections and engagement platforms for youth.
ANALYSIS
Research
The research approach for the OtterOracle App involved a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, focusing on enhancing conservation efforts for the Giant Otter. Although specific participant numbers were not detailed, the approach included competitive analysis, user interviews, and surveys to gather comprehensive insights into wildlife conservation motivations and challenges. This methodology aimed to identify opportunities for technological innovation to engage the public effectively in conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of a diverse and evidence-based strategy to drive the project's objectives forward.
Enclosed are the links to the data gathered during research.
Competitive Analysis
Three apps were analyzed.
iNaturalist
Audubon Bird Guide
Birda
The pros:
Community Engagement: iNaturalist's global community, Audubon Bird Guide's user-friendly features, and Birda's gamification encourage active participation and learning.
Advanced and Niche Features: AI capabilities in iNaturalist for species identification, Audubon's location-based alerts, and Birda's niche-specific resources cater to diverse interests.
Educational Value: Each app offers unique learning opportunities, from iNaturalist's broad educational platform to the specific birdwatching insights of Audubon Bird Guide and Birda.
The cons:
Data Accuracy Issues: iNaturalist's reliance on community verification may lead to inaccuracies in data.
Limited Research Contribution and User Engagement: Audubon Bird Guide focuses more on identification than on contributing to citizen science, which may affect long-term user engagement.
Dependence on Community and Technical Glitches: Birda's effectiveness is contingent on user growth, and operational glitches can detract from the user experience.
Personas
I created a persona with the main purpose of exploring the needs of a larger group of users and create a design with specific target users in mind
Information Architecture
In the OtterOracle App, IA is employed to curate a coherent user journey, ensuring seamless access to information on Giant Otters and promoting engagement through a well-designed framework.
UX flows
In the OtterOracle App, these tools are employed to visualize and refine how users seek information on Giant Otters and interact with various features, ensuring intuitive navigation.
Ideation
The development of the wireflows for the Giant Otter conservation project started with brainstorming sessions, where initial concepts were sketched out to outline user interactions and navigation paths. These early sketches laid the groundwork for a more systematic approach to the creation of detailed wireflows, improving the project's focus on optimizing user experience.
For this project, the wireflows were designed around three key interactions: querying an AI chatbot about wildlife, participating in a quiz to support otter conservation, and engaging in a live video session with a park ranger. These elements are aimed at not only providing users with reliable information but also engaging them in meaningful conservation efforts, with a focus on highlighting indigenous narratives and promoting advocacy.
Prototype
For the Otter Oracle app, we created prototypes centered around three engaging interactions designed to improve user involvement in conservation efforts. Users can interact with an AI chatbot to uncover wildlife facts, take part in quizzes that motivates otter conservation, and dive into live video sessions with a park ranger for an up-close look at the natural habitat. These prototypes aim to educate, inform and also to create a dynamic, interactive experience that encourages users to become active participants in the preservation of the Giant Otter and its environment.
User Testing
The testing aimed to evaluate the app’s usability, focusing on accessibility, efficiency, and relevance to conservation efforts for the Giant Otter. A total of 4 participants were involved in the testing, conducted remotely via the digital platform Maze. This approach allowed me for a comprehensive analysis of user navigation patterns, task efficiency, and overall feedback.
The main findings from the usability testing revealed that the app was generally perceived as intuitive and informative by participants. However, certain areas, particularly the quiz section, were identified as needing improvements for a better user experience. The feedback highlighted the app's personalized features and straightforward design as strengths, but also pointed out issues with data accuracy and engagement sustainability over time. These insights are crucial for refining the app, ensuring it effectively meets users' needs and enhances conservation efforts.
Next Steps
1. Addressing user pain points
2. Ideating potential solutions
3. Creating new wireframes and prototypes
4. Engaging in further testing and iteration