Although the information provided by the app was valuable, the app needed visual and interaction updating. This was indicated by mixed reviews on the app store. Users loved the quality of the information provided but at the same time certain user interactions consistently failed, frustrating the user.

The target user groups were determined by buying habits and comments from app reviewers. Mainly teachers, nature enthusiast, homesteaders, hikers and researchers from the ages of 19 to 65.

Based on this information three main user groups were decided and the personas below were established.

In the images below I walked our user persona, Rebecca Baker, through a scenario to decide her pain points and ensure that all user interaction with the app would have solutions.

The Scenario:

Rebecca packs up her kids and takes them out on a day hike. Her goals for this trip are to spend time with her kids outdoors, take pictures for her blog and find some wild plants to maybe add to dinner tonight.

Via the sticky notes, I establish the steps needed for Rebecca to complete her goals for the day. This process helps establish pain points and user needs. Based off the pain points, and Rebecca's goals, we can decide on features for the app, how certain interactions should potentially behave, and how to solve problems specific to Rebeccas needs.

After determining pain points and user needs for each of the personas, a list of features for the app quickly emerged.

Based on the established user needs, content and features were prioritized within the UI architecture. 

I developed a basic wireframe direction for the navigation bar pages in order to test user flows and identify navigation issues early on. 

Click here for an interactive preview of the app.

The UX process I used during this project included:

Brainstorming Sessions
Personas
Storyboarding
Journey Mapping
User Flows
Wireframing
Prototyping
Usability Testing Inperson