Eco.City
Project Overview
In a world where basic needs like food, housing, and employment should be fundamental rights, too many individuals struggle to meet these essential requirements. The barriers they face often stem from systemic inequities, economic hardships, and the overwhelming pressure to simply survive.
Eco.City (Oct 2024) was born out of a desire to understand these challenges and develop solutions that empower individuals to break free from these cycles of struggle.
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Our mission is to:
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Identify barriers: By conducting in-depth research and user interviews, we seek to uncover the obstacles that prevent people from accessing essential resources.
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Empower individuals: We aim to develop innovative solutions that provide individuals with the tools and support they need to achieve self-sufficiency, earn a livable income, and secure stable housing.
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Address systemic issues: Our goal is to contribute to a broader conversation about systemic inequities and advocate for policies that promote social justice and economic opportunity.​
By addressing these critical challenges, we believe we can not only improve the lives of individuals but also create a more equitable and compassionate society.
Project Duration:
Started Sept 2024 - Oct 2024
Problem
The issue goes beyond homelessness; many people are struggling to make ends meet in today’s economy. Not everyone wants to chase social status, create online content, or resort to extreme measures just to support themselves and their families. They simply want their hard work to provide stability without the constant pressure to overwork.
Goal
I'm developing a system that ensures people are fairly compensated for addressing critical factors in breaking the cycles of mental illness caused by financial deprivation, substance abuse, and alcoholism, while promoting more constructive alternatives for the community. For years, teams have been recruited to create destruction now, we are assembling a team dedicated to rebuilding and protecting without outside interference.
Understanding the user
User Research
Personas
Problem Statements
User Journey Maps
User Research
Summary
The users expressed empathy and concern for individuals facing homelessness and poverty. They recognized the societal inequalities that contribute to such struggles and acknowledged the limitations of individual action in addressing these systemic issues. The user's desire to help, coupled with a sense of helplessness, highlights the need for more effective solutions to address poverty and homelessness.
Pain Points
For the seeker
Overwhelmed by options:
The Seeker may be overwhelmed by the number of resources and services available on the platform.
Lack of clarity: The Seeker may not be sure how to navigate the app or find the most relevant resources.
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Seeking Help:
Difficulty finding the right support: The Seeker may struggle to find the right type of support for their specific needs.
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Lack of personalized recommendations: The Seeker may not receive relevant recommendations for resources or services.
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Uncertainty about the process: The Seeker may be unsure about the steps involved in accessing support or services.
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Engaging with the Community:
Lack of connection: The Seeker may feel isolated or disconnected from the community.
Limited opportunities for interaction: The Seeker may not have many opportunities to interact with other users or mentors.
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Progress and Growth:
Lack of motivation: The Seeker may struggle to stay motivated and make progress towards their goals.
Feeling overwhelmed: The Seeker may feel overwhelmed by the challenges of change.
Lack of accountability: The Seeker may need help staying on track and accountable for their goals.
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For the helper
Lack of clarity:
The Helper may not be sure how to get started or what their role is.
Overwhelmed by options: The Helper may be overwhelmed by the number of volunteer opportunities and may not know how to choose the right one.
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Engaging with the Community:
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Lack of communication: The Helper may not receive clear instructions or feedback on their performance.
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Limited recognition: The Helper may feel that their contributions are not recognized or appreciated.
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Lack of connection: The Helper may feel isolated or disconnected from other volunteers.
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For the provider
Complexity:
The onboarding process may be complex and time-consuming.
Lack of support: The Provider may not receive adequate support or guidance during the onboarding process.
Listing Services:
Limited visibility: The Provider's services may not be easily discoverable by potential clients.
Competition: The Provider may face competition from other providers on the platform.
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Engaging with Clients:
Lack of communication tools: The Provider may not have access to effective communication tools to interact with clients.
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Time-consuming: Managing client inquiries and bookings can be time-consuming.
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Managing Clients and Transactions:
Complex processes: The processes for scheduling appointments and processing payments may be complex.
Lack of integration: The Provider may need to use multiple tools to manage their clients and transactions.
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USER PERSONA : Alex
I remember walking through the city center one time and coming across several people asking for money for food on the streets. Seeing them in such a difficult situation filled me with a mix of compassion and concern. It saddened me to see people struggling for basic necessities like a meal, and it made me reflect on the inequalities in our society. I also felt a bit helpless, knowing I couldn’t help everyone.
Goals and Needs
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Contribute to society: Alex wants to make a positive impact on the world.
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Alleviate suffering: Alex feels empathy for those less fortunate and wants to help alleviate their suffering.
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Create a more just world: Alex believes in a world where everyone has equal opportunities.
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Easy ways to donate: Alex needs simple and effective ways to give back.
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Volunteer opportunities: Alex wants to volunteer their time to make a direct impact.
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Information and education: Alex seeks knowledge about social issues and potential solutions.
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Community: Alex wants to connect with like-minded individuals.
Technology
Technology can improve our construction methods by fostering a balance with natural systems. By integrating nature’s inherent harmony, we can leverage technology to drive progress, generate economic growth, and protect the environment.
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​Monitored progress to protect from sabotage-both ways (transparency)
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​It will also include testing to find out
different types of mindsets.
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AI-powered donation platforms: A platform that matches donors with high-impact charities based on their interests and values.
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Blockchain-based transparency: A system that ensures transparency in charitable donations and tracks the impact of each dollar.
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Virtual volunteering platforms: Platforms that enable remote volunteering opportunities, such as online tutoring or digital skills training.
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Social impact tracking apps: Apps that allow individuals to track their social impact and share their experiences with others.
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Backgrounds & Conditions
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Witnessing inequality: Alex frequently encounters individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and hunger.
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Feeling helpless: Alex often feels overwhelmed by the scale of social problems.
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Desire for impact: Alex wants to make a tangible difference in the world.
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Challenges & Concerns
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Information overload: Alex may be overwhelmed by the amount of information available about social issues.
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Ineffective charity: Alex may worry that their donations are not being used effectively.
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Time constraints: Alex may have limited time to volunteer or engage in social activism.
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Lack of trust: Alex may be skeptical of charitable organizations and fear that their donations will be misused.
User Journey Map
The journey maps will focus on the user's experience of using the app to access resources, connect with the community, and contribute to the society.
The Seeker: A person struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse, or financial instability.
The Helper: A community member who wants to volunteer their time or skills to help others.
The Provider: A business owner or organization offering services or resources to the community.​​
The Seeker:
A person struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse, or financial instability.
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Journey of Hope: This name emphasizes the user's journey towards a better future.
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Path to Recovery: This name focuses on the user's journey to overcome challenges and rebuild their life.
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Finding Your Way: This name highlights the user's exploration of resources and support.
The Helper:
A community member who wants to volunteer their time or skills to help others.
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Making a Difference: This name emphasizes the Helper's impact on the community.
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Giving Back: This name focuses on the Helper's altruistic motivations.
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Building a Better Future: This name highlights the Helper's role in creating a positive change.
The Provider:
A business owner or organization offering services or resources to the community.
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Growing Your Impact: This name emphasizes the Provider's growth and expansion.
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Connecting and Thriving: This name focuses on the Provider's connections with the community.
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Empowering the Community: This name highlights the Provider's role in supporting others.
Starting The Design
PaperWire Frames
Digital WireFrames
Low-Fidelity Prototype
Usability Studies
Potential Solutions
For the Seeker
Personalized Recommendation Engine:
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Develop an AI-powered algorithm to recommend tailored resources and services based on the Seeker's specific needs and preferences.
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Utilize machine learning to analyze user data and behavior to provide more relevant suggestions over time.
Community Building Features:
Create virtual and in-person community spaces where Seekers can connect with others, share experiences, and receive peer support.
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Implement features like group chats, forums, and social events to foster a sense of belonging.
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Mentorship and Coaching Programs:
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Establish mentorship and coaching programs that pair Seekers with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and accountability.
Offer one-on-one coaching sessions to help Seekers develop specific skills and achieve their goals.
For the Helper
Simplified Volunteer Management:
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Develop a user-friendly interface that allows Helpers to easily search and filter volunteer opportunities.
Implement a system for tracking volunteer hours and recognizing contributions with badges, certificates, or public acknowledgments.
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Enhanced Community Building Features:
Create a dedicated community forum for Helpers to connect, share experiences, and collaborate on projects.
Organize virtual and in-person events to foster a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
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Training and Development Opportunities:
Offer training and development opportunities to equip Helpers with the skills and knowledge they need to be effective volunteers.
Provide mentorship and coaching programs to support Helpers in their roles.
For the Provider
Improved Visibility and Marketing Tools:
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Develop a robust search engine optimization (SEO) strategy to increase the visibility of Provider profiles and listings.
Offer marketing tools and resources to help Providers promote their services and attract clients.
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Streamlined Client Management:
Implement a user-friendly platform for scheduling appointments, managing client records, and processing payments.
Integrate with other tools and services to streamline workflows and reduce administrative burdens.
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Enhanced Support and Guidance:
Provide comprehensive onboarding and training programs to help Providers get started.
Offer ongoing support and guidance through a dedicated help center, knowledge base, and customer support team.
User Surveys
To understand the needs of struggling communities, I conducted a survey of 7 individuals with deep insights into these challenges. These participants are passionate about creating a more equitable and sustainable future. They believe that by creating a supportive community and developing innovative technologies, we can address the root causes of social and economic problems.
Survey Questions
01.
How important do you think it is for cities
to provide food and shelter for everyone?
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In your opinion, what factors prevent people living on the streets from affording shelter?
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What specific actions do you think your city should take to improve access to food and shelter for all residents?
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Do you think people with that are addicted to substances would participate in a program that allows them to get rehabilitation, work and receive shelter?
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Would you be interested in seeing a monthly/yearly report about how your city spends money?
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Can you describe an experience where you encountered individuals asking for money for food on the streets and how it made you feel?
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Do you think people will be interested in an app that shows various locations in the city needing cosmetic repairs, park maintenance, cleaning services, and futuristic upgrades, offering opportunities for shelter, food, and substantial monthly compensation in exchange for their work? Why?
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In your opinion, what factors prevents people from living on the streets from affording shelter?
Affinity Map
I conducted a usability study with seven participants to gather feedback on the design's next steps. After the studies, I created an Affinity Map to organize the qualitative data collected from users. This allowed me to categorize recurring patterns, suggestions, issues, and concerns that emerged during the testing of the low-fidelity prototype.
Problem Statements
01
For The Seeker
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Difficulty in Accessing Relevant Support: Seekers struggle to find and connect with appropriate resources and services that address their specific needs.
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Lack of Personalized Support: Seekers need more personalized guidance and support to navigate the platform and achieve their goals.
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Isolation and Lack of Community: Seekers feel isolated and disconnected from others who share similar experiences.​
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For the Helper
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Inefficient Volunteer Management: Helpers struggle to find and manage volunteer opportunities that align with their skills and interests.
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Lack of Recognition and Appreciation: Helpers feel undervalued and under appreciated for their contributions to the community.
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Limited Opportunities for Connection and Learning: Helpers desire more opportunities to connect with other volunteers and learn from their experiences.
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For The Provider
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Limited Visibility and Client Acquisition: Providers struggle to attract and retain clients on the platform.
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Inefficient Client Management: Providers face challenges in managing client interactions, appointments, and payments.
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Lack of Support and Guidance: Providers need more support and guidance to navigate the platform and grow their business.
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These problem statements can be used to guide the development of solutions and prioritize features for your self-sustained society app.
Competitor Analysis
Two Applications Were Analyzed. The strengths and Weaknesses of each were Checked Out
Win App
Shelter App
Strengths
Win App
Multi language, easy to use dashboard, anonymous, access to most of the essential needs
Shelter App
You can view services on a map categorized very well, AI assistance,
Access to most of the essential needs


Weaknesses
Win App
It is limited to one area.
Shelter App
The navigation could be better along with a more updated
Refining The Design
Paper WireFrames
The paper wireframes were created to optimize the flow and arrangement of selections.
Storyboards
This storyboard was created to design an experience that helps users understand their situation and the opportunities available on the website.
User Flow
This handwritten user flow was created through a brainstorming and strategic process to provide users with the most effective flow.
Desktop
Low-fidelity Prototype
In order to conduct an unmoderated study during the concept testing phase, I created a low-fidelity prototype.
Usability Findings:
After compiling the feedback from the usability testing, I organized the key points from users to enhance the design.
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Users reported difficulty reading the font during the study.
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Users mentioned that reading the options was difficult and felt there were too many steps required to navigate through the site.
B.
Users found the navigation challenging, noting the absence of a clear back button or a way to return to the main page.
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Users felt overwhelmed by the cluttered interface, making it hard to focus on specific tasks.
C.
Users expressed dissatisfaction with the layout, stating that the prototype appeared zoomed out, which made it harder to use and diminished the overall experience.
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Users suggested simplifying the design to improve ease of use and reduce the cognitive load required to interact with the site.
Before the usability test
Refining the Design
Mock Ups (Desktop)
Benefits for the user
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Following the usability study, I made several revisions to enhance site navigation. I added back and next buttons to facilitate smoother navigation and improve accessibility.
Additionally, I adjusted the font size to make the options more readable, ensuring better clarity compared to the previous version.
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There will also be adjustments added for accessibility options.
After the usability test
Desktop
High fidelity Prototype
This user flow offers a simplified way for users to easily access application information on their desktop.
Interactive
Desktop Mock up
Explore this interactive desktop example by using the arrows to navigate back and forth, or click the option in the upper right corner to expand the view.
Accessibility Options
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Disabilities
This website prioritizes accessibility by offering features that cater to users with diverse needs, particularly those with visual and hearing impairments. These features include high-contrast mode, adjustable font size, screen reader compatibility, closed captioning, and visual notifications.
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Visually Impaired
The website will be developed using semantic HTML and ARIA attributes to ensure compatibility with popular screen readers like JAWS and NVDA. This will allow users with visual impairments to navigate and understand the content using assistive technologies.
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Languages
I've designed and developed Eco.City with a focus on accessibility. The platform offers multilingual support, allowing users to customize their experience by selecting their preferred language. This ensures optimal comprehension and usability for diverse audiences."
Going Forward:
Takeaways:
Impact
Improving the navigation path is a valuable change worth implementing. Additionally, adjusting the font and ensuring the site is accessible to various types of readers will be highly beneficial.
What I learned
I discovered that most users shared similar issues, primarily with navigation, font, and the overall presentation of the low-fidelity prototype. Users noted that the font appeared zoomed out, and I will focus on creating a more structured and cohesive design moving forward.
Next Steps:
Continuous User Testing: Regularly test the design with real users, focusing on the onboarding process to identify areas for improvement.
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Data-Driven Optimization: Utilize A/B testing to experiment with different design variations and track user behavior to make data-driven decisions.
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​Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor key metrics and user feedback to identify areas for improvement and optimize the user experience.