Case Study
8 Mins Read
AquaCare - Build and maintain your first Aquascape Tank easily
Industry
Pet Hobbies
Project
Apple Developer Academy
Duration
Aug-Sep 2023 (1 Month)
Overview
What is AquaCare?
AquaCare is a mobile app that simplifies aquascape tank maintenance, especially for beginners. By precisely monitoring water quality through IoT technology and offering expert-backed recommendations, we empower users to create and nurture thriving underwater ecosystems. Our app includes an extensive knowledge library and automated maintenance features to ensure optimal tank conditions.
Team Members
Fawwaz & Chrisgun (IOS Developers), Kanaya & Inez (UI and Assets), Riki & Myself (UX and Research)
My Role
I led research and UX concepting, including developing research plans and synthesizing findings with the team
Tools
Figma, Notion, Figjam, Adobe Illustrator
Timeline
Research and Concepting (Week 1 & 2). Design and Prototyping (Week 2 & 3). IOS Development (Week 3 & 4)
Challenge
Aquascaping requires careful attention to water conditions, plant needs, and the balance of life in the tank. Success depends on understanding factors like water chemistry, lighting, and the interaction between plants and fish. With knowledge and patience, beautiful and sustainable underwater worlds can be created.
The Big Question
How can we make life better for Aquascape communities?
UX Research Plan
Our primary investigative objectives involve delving into the aquascape ecosystem to identify genuine issues that our application can assist with. We split the research into three stages
First, we concentrate on ground-level knowledge and its contributors,
Next, we shift focus to one of the major influencers positively affecting the community,
and at the end, we delve into the optimal solution to address the issue.
Foundational Research
What is Aquascape?
Aquascaping is the art of creating underwater landscapes by carefully arranging aquatic plants, rocks, wood, and other natural elements within an aquarium. It's like gardening beneath the water's surface, aiming to construct visually appealing and harmonious ecosystems.
The Stakeholders
We discovered that many contributors are present in the aquascaping community:
Hobbyists or enthusiasts generally engage in aquascaping for pleasure,
Professional aquascapers often construct their aquascapes with competitions in mind, while
Companies or groups purchase aquascapes to enhance their office decor.
Additionally, we have Aquascape Retailers and the Farmers of aquatic plants and fish.
Scope
We conduct a workshop where we exchange our insights and personal experiences related to aquascaping (fortunate for us, two members have prior building experience in aquascape). Our preliminary research reveals distinct challenges faced by each stakeholder, however, it appears that the hobbyists or enthusiasts encounter more issues than others -an area we can aid them in.
Key Findings
Aquascaping is a diverse field with various stakeholders, each facing unique challenges, with beginner enthusiasts experiencing the most difficulties.
Problem Gathering & Validation
Users Interviews
Our user interviews with 10 beginner aquascapers identified some problems:
Knowledge gap: Users expressed a lack of foundational knowledge in aquascape setup and maintenance.
Problem-solving difficulties: Identifying and addressing tank issues, such as algae growth or CO2 imbalances, proved challenging.
Community engagement barriers: Users encountered difficulties in seeking and receiving helpful advice within online communities.
Perceived difficulty: Maintaining an aquascape tank was often viewed as a complex and time-consuming task.
We also create a persona based on their similarity of the problem and behavior
Online & Onsite Observation
Our observational research of both online and offline aquascaper communities revealed that beginner aquascapers primarily seek:
Practical guidance: Users often inquire about troubleshooting common tank issues, such as algae outbreaks and plant deterioration.
Product information: There's a strong demand for knowledge about aquascape tools and materials, including plant varieties, rocks, and substrate options.
Community support: Online platforms are utilized as a primary resource for seeking advice and problem-solving solutions.
Expert Interviews
After talking with the aquascape expert, most of the problems that we found in the interview and observation have been validated by experts. The beginner mostly failed to build their first aquascape in the first 3 months. The core components of a balanced aquascape ecosystem are:
Water - Provides the liquid environment, influenced by factors like CO2 and pH levels.
Soil - Supports plant roots and provides nutrients.
Plants - Primary aesthetic and ecological elements, requiring specific light and nutrients.
Fish - Optional inhabitants that add movement and life to the aquarium.
Lighting - Simulates sunlight, essential for plant growth and overall tank health.
We also found that the main parameter to keep the aquascape tank healthy is the water quality, It's all about keeping the water sustainable so the plants and the fish can be live happily on the tank.
Key Findings
Beginner aquascapers often rely on online resources for initial knowledge. They maintain the aquascape without knowing the real conditions of the tanks and they struggle to predict and prevent common issues due to the delayed visibility of early warning signs.
Solution Concept
Customer Journey Map
Before we explore the solutions, we create the CJM and make sure where we want to help user in their process to build their aquascape. We mapped out the user journey of building aquascape through 3 phases
Setting-up the Aquascape (0~ few days)
This initial phase involves tank setup, equipment installation, substrate selection, and plant placement. The focus is on creating a foundational layout.
Early Maintenance Period (1~3 Months)
The aquarium ecosystem stabilizes during this phase. Challenges include managing water parameters, preventing algae, and nurturing plant growth.
Lifelong Maintenance (>3 months)
This phase focuses on long-term care, including regular water changes, plant trimming, and equipment upkeep. The goal is to maintain a balanced and visually appealing aquascape.
Early Maintenance Period is the most vulnerable time because the aquascape ecosystem isn't mature and need more care
Value Proposition Canvas (VPC)
To align our solution with user needs, we employed a Value Proposition Canvas (VPC). This tool helped us identify customer pain points, desired outcomes, and how our product can effectively address them. what unique value we want to bring are:
Aquascape Knowledge Library
Providing in-depth information on plants, fish, and soil to facilitate informed setup and maintenance.
Real-time Ecosystem Monitoring
Utilizing IoT to track water conditions, offering proactive alerts, and providing expert recommendations.
Automated Tank Management
Reducing manual tasks through automated lighting and feeding, freeing up time for aquascaping enjoyment
Low-Fidelity Concepts
Before designing the app, we mapped out the steps users would take to achieve their goals. We also organized the information in a way that makes sense to users so they can easily find what they need.
Once we defined the user flow and information structure, we created low-fidelity prototypes. These early designs were shared with our team and trusted peers for feedback to identify potential usability issues.
Early Testing
We asked people about our ideas for an app that monitors water quality. Many people said they didn't want to spend a lot of money on smart devices. So, we decided to create a simpler way to check water quality using test strips as alternatives.
The High Fidelity Solution
Aquascape Tank Profile
Users can input detailed information about their aquascape, including tank size, plant species, and inhabitants. This data serves as a foundation for personalized recommendations.
Water Quality Assessment
The app offers two methods for monitoring water conditions: manual testing using litmus paper or automatic tracking with AquaCare IoT devices. Both options provide insights into water health, potential issues, and solutions.
Intelligent Lighting Control
AquaCare's IoT lighting system enables users to automate light schedules and intensity, optimizing plant growth and overall tank health.
Aquascape Knowledge Library
A comprehensive library of information on plants, animals, and hardscape elements empowers users to learn, explore, and enhance their aquascaping expertise.
Exhibitions and Open-Limited Testing
We are inviting the Aquascaper expert, Beginner aquascaper or anyone who interest in building aquascape to try our app. The result, users generally find the app concept promising and useful, especially for beginners. Some improvement feedback Key points include:
Data and Information: Users want more detailed and informative data, such as clearer explanations of water parameters and indicators.
User Interface: The app's design is praised for being simple and easy to understand. Suggestions include a clearer dashboard and more intuitive navigation.
Features: There's a strong desire for features like notifications, automated data input (e.g., image recognition for water tests), and the ability to manage multiple devices (e.g., lights, pH meters) within one aquarium.
Scope Exploration: Some users suggest expanding the app to include other water-based ecosystems like ponds and to provide more personalized recommendations.
Challenges: Concerns were raised about the cost of implementing IoT devices and the potential complexity of integrating multiple sensors.
Bellow are our exhibition booth 😎😎
Learning Points and Keytakeways
Problem Scoping and Prioritization
To effectively address complex challenges like aquascaping, it's essential to identify and prioritize the most critical pain points. We can allocate resources efficiently and deliver impactful solutions by narrowing down the scope.
Data Management and Synthesis
While thorough research is valuable, excessive data can slow down the design process. Efficient data synthesis and prioritization are crucial for generating actionable insights.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
A comprehensive understanding of the target area, such as aquascape ecosystems, is vital for developing effective solutions. Collaboration with biologists or aquascape experts can provide valuable insights.
Also Close collaboration with engineers and developers is essential to ensure that design concepts are technically viable and align with project constraints.
Design Consistency and Collaboration
Establishing clear design guidelines and fostering open communication within the team is vital for maintaining design consistency and efficiency. By creating shared design resources and encouraging collaboration, we can create cohesive and impactful products.
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