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Rebuilding Trust in Plant ID Apps –

UX Case Study on PlantSnap

Role

UX Designer

Project Context

Thesis (NYIT)
3 Months (2024)

Overview

Executive Summary


Many people avoid using plant identification apps even if they have the need, due to inaccuracy and lack of trust in the results.

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As a UX designer, I aim to understand why people are not using these apps, identify gaps in the app experience, and propose solutions to bridge the trust and usability divide.

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What is PlantSnap?

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PlantSnap lets users scan plants to identify them, learn care tips, and engage with a community of plant lovers.

Methodology

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Research

​To understand about the the former, non users of the available plant ID apps and the current plant ID app users.

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  • Didn't trust results

  • Felt impersonal

  • Preferred consulting others.

Why People not using the Plant Identification app?

Insights:

Phase 1

  • Secondary Research

  • Surveys

  • User Interviews​

From:

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What makes current users use the app?

Phase 2

From:

  • User Interviews​

Insights:

  • They stayed because of the community feature, not accuracy.

  • Looking for quick and reliable information

Problem with PlantSnap - The Identification Results

ScanResults

2/10 were accurate

INACCURATE

Poor Identification Results

UX Mapping Methods

Persona-1

Persona-1

Emily - Love Nature, Not into Technology

Persona-2

Persona-2

James - Tech Savvy, Plant Enthusiast

Scenario Mapping

Scenario Mapping

To understand how users will interact with a product in specific situations

Journey Mapping

Journey Mapping

To figure out the pain points and improve the user or customer experience

Empathy Mapping

Empathy Mapping

To understand user needs, thoughts, and feelings, leading to better user experiences.

Mental Model

Mental Model

Understanding users' mental models to create interfaces that resonate with users' expectations.

Strategic Insights

Strategic Insights

SWOT & MoSCow Analysis - To understand the project's context, prioritize features, and make informed design decisions.

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Problems to be solved

1

Poor Scan Accuracy

Solution:
Help users capture better images with Tooltips, Focus Indicators & Crop Feature

2

Lack of Quick & Trusted Information

Solution:
Introduced AI Chatbot for instant plant help

Problem

Solution

Redesigned Screens

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Problem 1 - Poor Scan Accuracy

"Why Guide users on how to properly scan a plant?"

Based on PlantSnap’s Photo Guidelines

"Inaccurate results stem not only from limitations in the machine learning algorithms but also from improper photo-taking techniques."

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LoFi and Paper Prototypes

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Problem

Has to remember the tips every time

Problem

No freedom of what to be scanned

Proposed Solution

Interactive Guidance: AR tooltips and focus indicators to help users capture better photos.

Proposed Solution

Customization:
Allow users to crop the scanning area for improved accuracy, like Google Lens.

Problem 2- Lack of Quick & Trusted Information

"Why Introducing AI Chatbot?"
To help users get quick, reliable plant information without the hassle of switching to Google every time the scan fails.

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No-Code AI Chatbot Solution
using Zapier.com

Card Sorting
To determine where users expect to access the AI chatbot feature

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HiFi AI Chatbot Screens

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Other UI Fixes - Accessibility and Inconsistency

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Validating Design Solutions

Usability Testing (Moderated)

For the identification of usability issues and areas for improvement based on feedbacks.

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Changes based on feedback

Real-World Validation of My Solutions

"PlantSnap implemented a similar experience after my UX solution proposal."

My Proposed Solutions

Plantsnap's Update V6.5.5

AI Chatbot for Quick Plant Info

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Focus Indicator

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Crop Feature to let users control the scan area

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Value for Users, Technology & Business

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Conclusion

My project focuses on enhancing the user experience of PlantSnap by addressing three key issues: 

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  1. Improving accuracy with AR solutions

  2. Quick, reliable information via the AI chatbot, Mr. Plant

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Through thorough research, iterative testing, and validation, I’ve demonstrated how these solutions not only solve existing problems but also pave the way for future innovation.

Broader Impact of AR Solutions


Moreover, the strategies and features I’ve implemented have broader applicability, extending to other AR-based applications like Amazon Lens and Walmart Lens, showcasing their potential impact on the industry.

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