Our lab would like to explore designing a prototype for a native mobile application version of our current natural cover monitoring program. We currently collect a lot of georeferenced tree information data in several different ways and we would like to start to attempt to capture some of data  via a mobile application open to the public.

Tasks may include:

• Conducting background research on our existing web application for the product.
• Identifying key areas of our current data collection and how they might translate to a mobile application.
• Learning and using various software design tools. We strongly recommend students learn how to use Figma as this is the latest and greatest tool currently available.
• Creation of a screen by screen UX / UI prototype of a native mobile application which can be used on both iOS and Android
• Conducting UX / UI testing with real potential users potentially involving paper prototypes or other software tools to support this

By the end of the project, students should complete the following list of activities:

•  Familiarize themselves with our existing monitoring program
• Familiarize themselves with a design tool of their choosing and understand how it work.
• Design and build inside of the design tool all the needed screens for a mobile application prototype of our product
• Present the final design screens to us with the context of all their choices they made, problems they encountered, and next steps they recommend.

Bonus steps would include:

•  Conducting any sort of user testing on the prototypes to ensure ease of use and to collect user feedback.

Final deliverables should include

• The design screens and all assets in a shareable format
• A presentation as stated above of the final designs

Students will connect directly with us for mentorship throughout the project. We will be able to provide answers to questions such as:

Current product understanding

Industry standard design tools and applications

Any sort of branding or styling advice

• Input on choices, problems or anything else the students might encounter.