Yardzen generally scored well across most features, except for its starting price of $900. Users also noted that there were issues with planning for areas on hills or slopes.
In my research, I evaluated DreamScape, NeighborBrite, and Yardzen, three digital landscaping services.
NeighborBrite and Dreamscape are cost-effective, but offer limited customization and poor user feedback with plant placement. For example, I created a sample plan and several plants that were recommended to me would not survive in Zone 6b.
Comparison of functionality within competitors
Dreamscape
NeighborBrite
Yardzen
Feature
Variety of landscapes (home, apartment, backyard, front yard, etc.)
Variety of plants for zone/region
Material Breakdown, measurements, directions
Account creation / export of plans
Feedback of plant placement or choice
Price
Survey says...
What is the biggest problem you face when landscaping your home?
Terra AI: User Research
App, Mobile
How might we make landscaping easier for users?
Analysis Results
Terra AI simplifies landscaping by addressing common challenges, such as: uncertainty, stress, and costly errors.
This AI-driven assistant generates custom garden layouts based on user inputs, making the process efficient and personal.
By providing tailored guidance, Terra reduces the need for costly professional services and empowers users to confidently plan their outdoor spaces.
User Interviews
Competitive Analysis
Mockups
Prototypes
Iterations
UX Designer
Duration
Winter 2023
Noelle W.
UX Designer
Team
Terra AI: Userflow + Background
App, Mobile
Background
Terra AI: User Research
Terra AI: Process
App, Mobile
Precision / Personalization
Feedback
The landscape area is based on mapped location, yet edible if needed.
Sunlight and soil are also generated based on location
Plant library - based on favorites, preferences, and location, yet users can override this feature if needed.
Instant feedback - if the plant isn't suitable, it will turn red, yet users can override this, too.
Account Creation
Account creation is vital for historical data, both to improve the AI engine's suggestions/accuracy, and for the user to revisit past plans or create larger projects.
Checklist / Export Plans
Having detailed plans with exact specifications and the ability to export/save them is crucial for user access and satisfaction.
In development, my initial designs took cues from competitors; allowing users to create accounts and export plans.
Recognizing the gap left by competitors, I integrated the AI engine to further personalize each user experience, while giving users the freedom to override generated content.
Essentials + Improvements
Terra AI: Process
Terra AI: User Testing | Feedback
Website, Mobile
edit
preferences
Easier Editing
Light and Soil editing - added to give users further control over their generated plan
Consistent Design
Easing friction - sunlight and soil type was placed earlier in the flow, while preferences were expanded upon
Additionally, a variety of preferences were added after surveying users on the types of gardens they would like to build. Later, a text box was added if there were any specific requests not listed or for constraints (apartment, color, etc.)
During the first round of user testing, users wanted to edit light and soil type, but couldn't do so until the very end of the survey. Instead, I made this available immediately within the measurements edit window.
Small edits, big results
Color change for selection
Plant selection color change - green to yellow for easy-viewing
Addition of tutorial with captions
Captions were added to the tutorial for accessibility and user preferences
"Back to builder" button
Back to builder - this button was added so that a new plan could be started (or edited) without going back to the start of the user flow.
For users who wanted to build another plan or edit/expand the previous plan, a "Back to Builder" button was added to let users edit or expand their previous plan, avoiding the need to restart the survey from the beginning. This also eased user frustration and prevented abandonment.
When the builder was finalized, it was apparent that a green outline would not be easily visible. Turning selection to yellow eased user frustration and sped up completion time.
Easing frustrations
Terra AI: User Testing | Feedback Round 2
Fig. 2
Fig. 1
Terra AI: Impact + Final Thoughts
App, Mobile
Fig 1: With iterations on the user flow / UI elements, suggestions decreased by 86% and bugs/interruptions decreased by 100%.
Fig 2: Each area is designed to improve the overall user experience, drive user engagement, and increase the value provided by Terra AI.
Integrating a “nudge” toward native plants, partnering with local nurseries, building a sense of community, and including services into future features were inspired by collaborative discussions with nursery owners and users. The positive reception and insights taken from user testing have been invaluable, reinforcing the app’s alignment with its users’ aspirations and environmental consciousness.
Final Thoughts
Redesign = Results
Delano Photos: Impact
Terra AI: Background | User Flow