Connecting Communities and Planting Trees in Watts

Overview

The Housing Authority of Los Angeles (HACLA) partnered with us to create a digital platform that would address environmental inequity while fostering community engagement in Watts. Our solution: a mobile-first Tree Dedication Platform that connects residents to local tree planting initiatives while honoring their loved ones.

The Challenge

Our goal was to create ways for the community to participate in local environmental initiatives while creating meaningful personal connections to these efforts. How might we encourage resident participation in tree planting programs while creating lasting emotional bonds to their neighborhood's environmental transformation?

Timeline

Nov - May 2022

Role

Product Designer

Product Designer

Team

Team

Research & Discovery

User Interviews

User Interviews

I helped conduct in-depth interviews with 15 Watts residents across different age groups (18-65) and 5 HACLA staff members to understand:

I helped conduct in-depth interviews with 15 Watts residents across different age groups (18-65) and 5 HACLA staff members to understand:

"I want to plant a tree for my mother who helped raise all the kids in this neighborhood."

- Maria, 45

"I want to plant a tree for my mother who helped raise all the kids in this neighborhood."

- Maria, 45, Resident

Most residents have smartphones but aren't comfortable with complicated websites. They need something simple that's easy to access.

- James, 34, HACLA Staff

Most residents have smartphones but aren't comfortable with complicated websites. They need something simple that connects to their stories.

- James, 36, HACLA Staff Member

"I tried planting trees before but didn't know how to care for them. If I'm dedicating it to my father, I want to make sure it survives."

- Robert, 42, Resident

Key Insights

Prioritizing Accessibility

Residents needed a straightforward, mobile-first platform that was easy to navigate.

Personal Connection

Residents wanted to dedicate trees to loved ones as a way to honor their legacy.

Ongoing Support

Residents wanted guidance on how to care for trees to ensure their survival and long-term impact.

QUESTION:

How might we design a process that makes dedicating a tree a more personal and meaningful experience?

Site Mapping

Site Mapping

I created the sitemap to organize dedication flows, tree planting initiatives, and community features into an intuitive mobile-first structure.

I created the sitemap to organize dedication flows, tree planting initiatives, and community features into an intuitive mobile-first structure.

Dedication Form

Dedication Form

Through careful design and user testing with residents, we created an accessible flow that breaks the process down into simple steps. We also created options that made sharing personal stories feel natural while allowing flexibility for different kinds of expression.

Through careful design and user testing with residents, we created an accessible flow that breaks the process down into simple steps. We also created options that made sharing personal stories feel natural while allowing flexibility for different kinds of expression.

User Testing

User Testing

Through careful design and user testing with residents, we created an accessible flow that breaks the process down into simple steps.

Through careful design and user testing with residents, we created an accessible flow that breaks the process down into simple steps.

Results

500+

Trees planted

85%

of residents successfully completed the dedication process without help

of residents successfully completed the dedication process without help

300%

Increase of unique site visitors from June to August 2022

Takeaways

This project taught me the power of combining practical needs with an emotional connection. By linking tree planting to personal stories, we created ownership. A simple, user-friendly design ensured accessibility, and providing tree care resources empowered residents for long-term impact.

Next Case Study: Clean Power Alliance

Next Case Study: Clean Power Alliance

Check out my work for LA Parks

Check out my work for LA Parks