Viro is an app designed to promote sustainability by offering a rewards system at chain restaurants and quick-service establishments that maintain an environmental score of 50% or higher.
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BACKGROUND
Viro is an application I developed to enhance sustainability, targeting individuals who typically overlook recycling, cleaning, or using public transport. Recognizing that people often resist activities that are beneficial—like exercising, doing laundry, or eating healthily—I designed Viro during a semester-long course to make sustainable actions appealing and impactful. The app aims to celebrate and reward behaviors that contribute positively to our planet.
MISSION STATEMENT
Viro aims to transform sustainable actions into a rewarding experience, driving changes in both our individual decisions and broader corporate environmental responsibility.
THE PROBLEM
Often, people avoid beneficial behaviors such as recycling or using public transport. Viro addresses this by making sustainability rewarding and engaging.
SOLUTION & GOALS
Develop an efficient, appealing, and intuitive user interface that highlights the functionality and convenience of the application.
How Might We (HMWs)
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Incentivize users to choose more sustainable products and services.
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Encourage companies to improve their sustainability practices to be featured on the platform.
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Tailor the rewards system to cater to diverse user interests and motivate a range of sustainable actions.
Design Process
Define, research, plan, iterate, gather feedback, and conduct user testing.
USER RESEARCH
In order to understand the problem and the users needs, I conducted primary and secondary research methods including survey and online discovery.
MARKET RESEARCH
01. Ecosia: search engine that uses its profits to plant trees around the world. No rewards-based system for sustainable product choices.
02. Good On You: App rates fashion brands on their ethical and environmental practices, providing consumers with information to make more sustainable choices. It does not consider those who are not interested in sustainability.
03. MyEcoScore: Designed to evaluate users' environmental footprint based on their daily activities and purchases. It offers personalized tips to reduce impact.
Takeaways: Apps on the market lack established reward systems and do not cater to those indifferent to environmental sustainability.
USER RESEARCH
For the survey aspect of my research process, I created a google forms with questions that would provide data as to whether this app was worthy of exploring. Users were notified that their response would be anonymous to unsure the utmost of honesty; in total, I received 37 responses.
Y/N: Do you go out of your way to recycle, take public transportation, or clean areas in your town for the good of our environment?
Written: Why or why not?
No. I live by connivence. Public transport and recycling are both inconvenient for where I live.
No. In terms of public transportation, it is easier for me to take my car. I recycle sometimes, but not regularly.
Yes. I live in New York City so I travel by means of public transport.
No. Recycling takes too much effort as well as cleanups.
No. These acts have just never been integrated into my lifestyle.
91.9 %
Answered "No"
Y/N: Would you do those acts if there were reward involved?
ex. free starbucks drink if you recycle 100 bottles
86.5%
Answered "Yes"
TAKEAWAY
About 92% of people do not go out of their way to care for our environment, but, of that same survey, 86% would go out of their way to live a more sustainable lifestyle if there were reward involved
USER PERSONA
WIREFRAME SKETCHES
WIREFRAME SKETCHES
THE PRODUCT
SIGN IN / SIGN UP
For first timers, the users will be prompted to sign up. For those who already have an account will skip the onboarding process and go straight to the home frame.
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OR
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ONBOARDING
Getting users familiar with the application.
KEY FRAMES
Users can choose their daily challenge from two simple, impactful options: recycle or clean
Task screen guides the user through the process of recycling 50 cans/bottles and where to upload the reverse vending machine receipt.
Users can monitor their points through the Point Bank and redeem them at various stores or restaurants, selecting specific rewards and venues of their choice.
After spending a couple of days understanding the importance of governance ESG scores, compiling a list of eligible com came research, specifically on policy memos. With these ideas, business and environmental friendly practices are effectively aligned for a beneficial result.
CORPERATE RESPONSIBILITY
FILLING THE MARKET GAP
After learning what sustainable apps are currently on the market, reward-based apps are sparse. Developing Viro required a deep understanding of user motivations.
ENGAGING THE INDIFFERENT
This is something that I haven't seen any other application do: target the non-targets. Targeting users typically uninterested in sustainability proved difficult; I learned that aligning the apps benefits with person interests is crucial for popularity.
BEHAVIORAL CHANGE THROUGH INCENTIVES
I spent time researching and learning from papers by respected psychologists like Edward Deci and learned that rewards can have a complex relationship with intrinsic motivation, which Viro uses to motivate users in a positive manner.
TAKEAWAYS