SmartSprout

Problem: Design an engaging, user-friendly app that helps people conserve water—especially in drought-prone areas like California—while making the experience enjoyable and visually appealing.

Solution: SmartSprout is a water conservation app that encourages sustainable gardening. Users can create profiles, track their outdoor water usage, and connect with neighbors to share tips and progress. The app also features a plant-matching tool that recommends native, drought-tolerant plants based on users' needs, promoting efficient and eco-friendly landscaping.

Research: California’s ongoing droughts and growing population have made water conservation more important than ever. Research showed that outdoor water use—especially for lawns and gardens—is a major contributor to water waste. By focusing on native plants and community engagement, the app addresses both environmental and social aspects of conservation.

Challenges: The biggest challenge was designing an app that people would want to use regularly—not just as a one-time tool. It needed to feel approachable and useful, while still encouraging long-term sustainable behavior.

Learnings: Through this project, I learned how to design and build a clickable prototype in Figma. I focused on combining clean visuals with functional features that support real-world conservation goals. This experience helped me better understand how thoughtful design can influence user behavior and promote sustainability.