OVERVIEW
DISCOVERY
We are plant parents, but also plant killers
Indoor Plants: Rising Popularity, Troubling Reality
66% of American households own indoor plants.
7 in 10 millennials call themselves a plant parent.
Houseplant demand surged 18% in recent years.
However
*Average plant parent has killed 7 houseplants
Why Plants Die Under Our Watch
From survey and interviews (35 participants in total), key insights are:
78.8%
57.1%
Most
Painpoint 1
Late awareness of plant issue
Painpoint 2
Fail to diagnose issues
Painpoint 3
Take incorrect or no action
Problem Statement
Beginner indoor plant keepers often struggle to care for their houseplants effectively. Due to limited plant knowledge, time, and access to reliable guidance, they tend to notice problems too late, take no action, or follow unreliable guidance, resulting in preventable plant deaths.
Helping Novice Plant Parents Move Beyond Intuition
Passive monitoring + contextual alerts
Connect sensors to monitor key metrics like soil moisture in real time and alert when thresholds approach.
→ One-time setup, hands-off plant care.
Personalized care plans + task reminders
Set up customized care plans for (e.g., watering) and receive timely, specific task reminders.
→ Never miss a task, keep plant routine on point.
Targeted diagnosis without sensors
For users without sensors, a built-in AI tool helps them identify and solve issues by symptoms and plant type.
→ Instant, precise solutions, get plants back on track
ITERATION
Making Alerts Actionable and AI Navigation Intuitive
After crafting the solution through wireframing, I did usability testing. Key iterations based on feedback:
Iteration 1: Add Actionable Suggestions to Alerts
I don’t know how much water is too much or too little. If it just tells me the number, I’d feel much safer.
Before
After
Iteration 2: Clarify Entry Point & Navigation for Ask AI
I thought the magnifying glass was for search... I didn’t know it was the AI!
Before
Ask AI was hidden under an unclear icon in the bottom nav. Users couldn’t tell what it did or how to start a diagnosis.
After
Replaced the icon with a clear entry point “Ask Ivy”, and separated it into Live Plant Care and Chat Care. Clear action buttons guide users to start right away.
FINAL DESIGN
A Complete Flow: Monitor, Plan, Diagnose
Real-Time Plant Monitoring Made Simple
Personalized Plant Care Plan in a Few Taps
Diagnose Plant Issues with Ivy, Your AI Plant Expert
IMPACT
Turning Beginners into Confident Plant Owners
Although BotaniQ has not yet been launched to the market, testing showed strong positive reactions from potential users. Users especially appreciated the real-time alerts and actionable AI support, setting it apart from typical plant care apps.
BotaniQ shows strong potential to reduce plant loss and improve user confidence by offering smarter, more proactive support.
What's next:
The ultimate success of BotaniQ depends heavily on the reliability of sensor data and AI diagnosis, two components that can't be fully validated through a prototype alone.
The next step would be to test and iterate on the AI’s plant diagnosis accuracy and explore sensor integration, which are both critical for delivering on the product’s promise of real-time, actionable care.
TAKEAWAYS
Solving the Right Problem, Not Just Adding Features
Building BotaniQ taught me the importance of prioritizing real solutions over surface needs. Instead of overwhelming users with plant knowledge, I focused on creating an effortless, proactive care experience. This project sharpened my ability to make intentional trade-offs and stay centered on solving the true user problem, always staying focused on solving, not pleasing.
MORE PROJECTS
