Eco-Life Living

Inspiration

I aimed to design a hypothetical blogging website for sharing a variety of ecological resources, targeting anyone interested in making eco-friendly choices. Inspired by a game with a built-in forum, I want to foster a community where users can engage in discussions about ecological living. I believe that community support encourages individuals to make sustainable decisions.

What it does

My website features categorized blog posts for easy navigation and includes resources like videos, books, guides, and case studies. Whether casual users or committed environmentalists, Eco-Life Living caters to all. Users can comment on posts, engage with others, and participate in a forum for sharing thoughts and ideas. Additionally, users can submit their own blog posts and subscribe to weekly updates on ecological trends.

How I built it

My design process was not linear and required ongoing feedback and adjustments. I conducted extensive research using Google and AI, discovering a lack of community engagement in existing eco-focused blogs. This insight shaped my idea for a resource-sharing platform that fosters community. I structured the site based on hypothetical content and features, drafted designs on paper, and created wireframes in Figma. I also incorporated a unique mascot for the website, digitally drawn using the Sketchbook app. I sought feedback from peers and mentors throughout the whole process, using their constructive criticism to enhance the design.

Challenges I ran into

Creating a user-friendly experience posed some challenges, particularly in meeting web accessibility standards. If I had more time, I would love to incorporate a dark mode and color customization options for users with visual impairments. I also found it challenging to gather consistent feedback, as opinions varied widely, and I faced some difficulties in implementing certain design features effectively. Although the time constraint limited my ability to refine important features like the filtering system on the Resources page, I’m excited about the potential for future improvements.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

I’m proud of the progress I made within the given timeframe, especially considering the ambitious nature of this project. While I wasn't able to implement all the features I had envisioned, I feel that I successfully developed an aesthetically pleasing and functional blogging site that effectively showcases ecological resources. Throughout this process, I gained valuable insights into design principles and user experience. Each challenge I faced taught me something new, and I'm proud of what I was able to accomplish.

What I learned

During the development of this project, I realized the importance of thorough user research in the design process. Given the time constraints, I found myself making several assumptions about the needs and preferences of my target audience. While this approach allowed me to move forward, it also resulted in revisions as I discovered that some of my initial ideas didn’t resonate as well as I had hoped. I also learned that while feedback is valuable, it’s crucial to balance it with a clear vision. Everyone has different opinions shaped by their experiences, and not all feedback aligns with the overall goals of the site.

What's next for Eco-Life Living

Eco-Life Living has a long way to go before it becomes fully functional. Continued user research and understanding the target audience are essential for future progress. I plan to refine the UI, add new features, and improve overall design. Additionally, I aim to make the website responsive for easier access on mobile devices.

Built With

• figma
• sketchbook