Coming soon!
A redesign initiative to modernize and unify a fragmented product ecosystem while improving scalability within a resource-constrained volunteer-led organization
About organization
Greenstand's app, Treetracker, is used across 56 countries, particularly in developing regions, to help local tree growers document and verify planted trees through geotagged photos. Treetracker enables planting organizations and donors to track environmental impact while providing income opportunities for growers.
Tree growers capture the tree photo.
The uploaded trees are tracked on a map and verified.
Problem
Treetracker had evolved into highly inconsistent Android and iOS experiences with different functionality, and styles. Also, the app, originally designed for users with no smartphone experience is now outdated.
The team had to design and develop 2 different versions, creating duplicated efforts for a resource-constrained, volunteer-led organization.
Adding new features that work for both platforms is hard. Introducing modern design without creating inconsistencies with existing parts is a challenge.
iOS
Android
Goal
I believed the Android and iOS versions should be unified into one shared design and codebase, while modernizing the legacy UX. However, this would require significant change beyond what the design team alone could drive, so I aimed to start by presenting a blue-sky redesign proposal to gain stakeholder buy-in.
Redesign to unify Android and iOS designs and get out of the legacy UX
Create a blue-sky design to showcase the value of redesign project
Understanding users
I began by understanding Greenstand’s tree tracking workflows, users, and stakeholder ecosystem through meetings with organization executives, reviewing documentation, and conducting desk research.
As a field-based tree planting app used in developing countries, many users operate under constraints.
Users often capture trees in remote areas with unstable or no internet connection.
Tree growers do not always own smartphones. They borrow shared devices.
The app is frequently used outdoors under bright sunlight.
Some users have limited literacy and may not be able to read the app.
Users often use low-end phones with limited storage, performance, and battery life.
There are 3 key user roles. I learned there are multiple operational patterns, from tree-planting organized through organizations to independent tree planting efforts.
Plant trees in the field. Often do not own smartphones and have limited literacy or digital experience.
Primary user
Own shared smartphones and help growers use the app. Some work directly for organizations.
Primary user
Work for environmental organizations to track reforestation impact. Manage users within their organizations.
Secondary userDesign principles
Understanding the current product and users revealed 4 opportunities where redesign could create meaningful value.
The original experience did not fully cover the entire workflow, such as onboarding and tree verification. I aimed to support a more complete end-to-end experience across the user journey.
The existing experience did not fully account for constraints such as offline usage. Better support for these environments could create a more accessible and reliable experience.
The product lacked clear navigation, labels, status communication, and interaction feedback. Improving clarity could help reduce confusion and increase usability.
A design system could create a more consistent and branded experience and easy to maintain.
Exploration & decisions
TBD
Final design
TBD
Result
TBD
How I used AI
To overcome the challenges of limited direct user access, designing for a niche domain, and unique user constraints, I proactively integrated AI. I found AI especially valuable in situations with limited time and research access, while human judgment and refinement remained essential.
Best practices summary which I shared on Github.
I used Claude to explore feature design and layouts.
Next steps
TBD