Greener

How It All Began
The CEO’s Vision

It all started a day when the CEO of Greaner reached out with a bold idea. He believed that an online plant store could be much more than just a place to buy plants. It could be a digital ecosystem that supported plant lovers throughout their entire journey. He asked me to take on the UX and UI design, with a clear mission: create a platform that would not only help people choose the right plants but also guide them in taking care of them, every step of the way.I still remember our conversation:
“I want Greaner to feel like a friendly, knowledgeable companion, a place where every interaction makes plant care simpler and more enjoyable.”
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The Journey
From Insights to Innovation

Getting to Know Our Users
‍To bring the vision to life, I knew the first step was to really understand the users. I set out by conducting online surveys, virtual interviews. Along the way, I also carried out a Competitive Analysis to see what other online plant stores were doing well and where we could stand out. Using an Affinity Diagram, I organized all the user feedback and insights into common themes. This process helped me clearly see the challenges our users were facing:
          •   Choosing the Right Plant: Many users were unsure which plants were right for them, for example both pet-safe and low maintenance.
          •   Accessing Expert Help: People wanted quick, reliable advice without the hassle of searching through endless information.
          •   Understanding Plant Care: Existing care guides were either too complex or too vague, leaving users confused.
          •   Keeping Up with Routine Tasks: Simple tasks like watering were often forgotten, leading to stressed and unhealthy plants.

Persona Development
‍Based on the research, I created key two user personas to represent our diverse audience.

‍Olivia Park
24, early professional, creative and dynamic

Olivia is a graphic designer living in a bustling urban environment. She values aesthetics and seeks to integrate nature into her modern lifestyle despite limited living space.

Ethan Kim
38, busy tech professional, pragmatic and efficient

Ethan’s goal is to manage plant care without compromising his fast-paced work life. He needs clear, actionable guidance and smart notifications to ensure his plants remain healthy, transforming his living space into a relaxing retreat.

Brainstorming & Sketching Ideas
Armed with these insights, I consulted with plant experts to brainstorm ways to make the online experience as nurturing as a well-tended garden. We zeroed in on a few key ideas:
          •  Personalized Recommendations: An engine that asks users about their needs (like pet safety and low maintenance) and then suggests the perfect plants.
          •  Expert Chat: A feature that allows users to get advice from plant specialists right on the site.
          •  Interactive Care Guides: Engaging care pages complete with step-by-step videos, easy-to-understand icons, and relatable tools.
          •  Friendly Reminders: Automated push notifications to remind users when it’s time to water or care for their plants.
          •  Curated Collections: Themed bundles that help users easily envision complete plant setups in their homes.
          •  Visual Context and Scale: I integrated context by showcasing plants next to everyday objects (like a chair) with clear dimension labels so users instantly grasp the scale and envision how each plant fits in their space.

Key Design Artifacts
To ensure the design met our users' needs and project goals, I developed several essential design artifacts:
          •  User Flow: Detailed diagrams mapping the journey from discovery to purchase and plant care, ensuring a logical, user-friendly process.

          •  Mood Board: A curated board that established the visual tone for Greaner, combining natural elements, calming colors, and modern typography to evoke tranquility and modernity.
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Prototyping, Testing & Refining
I then created low-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes using Figma.
For example, during usability testing, one participant remarked:
"I didn't realize you have application."
This feedback prompted me to iterate further on the hero image, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience.

The Final Design
A Digital Garden You Can Call Home

Greaner evolved into a refined and well-crafted digital platform, delivering meaningful advantages:
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Splash Screen

I designed a splash screen to show that the page and program are loading while maintaining a visual connection to the brand’s identity. The logo placement and soft green background create a sense of growth and sustainability, ensuring a smooth and cohesive transition into the app.

Onboard Tutorial‍

For the tutorial, we begin by showcasing the app’s core value to instantly engage users. With a seamless flow and intuitive design, it delivers a smooth onboarding experience, making key features, like "Planting Trees Based" on Your Purchases, easy to grasp while encouraging continued exploration.

Add to Cart Flow

I designed an intuitive experience for selecting a favorite plant—simple liking, easy size visualization with a chair, and seamless pot selection. The Add to Cart flow keeps everything smooth, making the journey from choice to purchase feel effortless.

Reflections
‍Iterative Improvements & Data-Driven Insights for Future Growth

Working on Greaner has been an incredible journey of discovery and innovation. Key lessons learned include:
          •  Empathy is Essential: Deeply understanding our users shapes solutions that make a real difference.
          •  Iterate Constantly: Continuous testing and user feedback are critical in refining every feature.
          •  Technology & Nature in Harmony: Thoughtfully blending digital tools with natural aesthetics creates transformative experiences.