AR game that can draw attention to endangered animals of the Han River in Korea. Visiting the Han River and playing games with various species, Seoul citizens can encounter protected creatures that are difficult to observe. It encourages users to realize the value of living with nature and to protect the environment.
Project
Team (4 Designers)
Duration
2 months (Oct 2024 - Nov 2024)
My Role
Research 25%, UXUI 50%, Prototyping 100%
Tools
Figma, Photoshop
Friendly animals flow (on the ground)
Disturbing animals flow (on the water)
Background
Animal Ecosystems in Seoul
According to the "Seoul metropolitan government's plan for the protection of wildlife (2022-2026)", a total of 5,516 species of wild animals and plants inhabit Seoul. Among them, 49 species of endangered animals, such as otters, owls, and 11 species of natural monuments, such as ducks, and kestrels, also live there.
https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/area/capital/1090723.html
Seoul City puts efforts on policy to expand the Han River's biodiversity.
The Seoul metropolitan government operates year-round ecological programs in Han River ecological parks, allowing citizens to experience the natural environment and understand the importance of biodiversity.
https://news.seoulsports.or.kr/web/pds/pdsView.do?catid=17&pdsid=1464&scattit=
Citizens are also trying to restore wildlife in the Han River
Volunteer groups like the "Otter Club" and "Otter Sisters" actively track the habitats of otters in the Han River while engaging in habitat cleanup activities. To be specific, in 2021, citizens and environmental organizations cooperated to initiate the "Seoul Otter Network," creating an environment where otters can thrive with humans.
https://news.seoulsports.or.kr/web/pds/pdsView.do?catid=17&pdsid=1464&scattit=
Research Question
How can we make Seoul environment activity more fun?
Field exploration
The Han River, the heart of Seoul, where endangered animals live.
Following the map of the river, I discovered seven islands and numerous parks dispersed throughout the area.
Seven islands and some ecological parks
Choose one of the following that has the biggest problem with disposable items.
Responses from 89 people who have used reusable containers for food packaging.
Select all cases where you have used multi-containers.
Responses from 89 people who have used reusable containers for food packaging.
What makes you barely use reusable containers for food?
Responses from 16 people who have never used reusable containers for food packaging.
Solution
Protect animals and environment through an AR mobile game
In due course, citizens would be to naturally realize the importance of city's environment protection and could enjoy it through game.
Solution 1
Use AR technology to explore real natural areas, the Han River, blending virtual interaction with real-world ecology.
Solution 2
Encourage users to participate in engaging missions and events, that need active steps in conservation efforts.
Solution 3
Provide practical guidance, collaborating with the the Seoul government, that leads citizens to learn the way to protect the species in their daily life.
Game Concept
Find endangered species while exploring the river
We decided to provide users with missions to search endangered animals and build friendships with them. At the same time, the players take on the challenge of eliminating invasive species that threaten the environment balance. Through this immersive gameplay, users reap rewards used to decorate islands beautifully, motivating them to consistently access to this game.
Design stratedgy
UX stratedgy
Body
1
Being aware of the animals' existance
· Acquire information about various endangered species in the Han River.
· Try hard to collect rare animals that appear only at night or in specific locations.
· Get rewards for participating in special campaigns or events.
2
Feeling of achievement
· Collect a variety of both endangered and invasive species.
· Purchase forest items to decorate your own unique island.
· Unlock islands of high level by completing missions.
3
Engaging actively
· Play spontaneously the game and get information about other eco-friendly activities opened in Han River.
· Participate in real site environmental campaigns with friends.
Exploring
Ariving at the Han River, activate AR camera to discover hidden animals and befriend or catch the animals.
Collecting
All the discoveries of animals and achievements are recorded in history, completing the missions.
Island Customizing
Decorate islands with a variety of items such as trees and flowers that you can buy at an ecology shop.
Flow chart
Fostering intimacy about environment and providing motivation through reward
We put tremendous effort into constructing a rewarding system that visually demonstrates users' impact, such as providing island decoration items and unlocking a new island, six islands are locked that are gradually opened, offering a immediate sense of achievement and motivation.
IA
Information Architecture
Launch & Conclusion
Developing skills in cross-functional collaboration
This was my first project collaborating with a product manager and developers, where I learned the importance of handing off well-organized designs for effective teamwork. With invaluable feedback from experienced team members, I refined my approach and built a structured design system. Through iterative communication with developers, we continuously improved the service and successfully launched it on the Apple App Store. One of the most interesting things I realized was that padding and margin not only directly impact readability, touch areas, and visual aesthetics but also play a crucial role for developers in ensuring code consistency and maintenance efficiency. This concept has continued to influence my work, improving both the design process and collaboration efficiency with developers.
What I learned
Designing for simplicity in input processes
Since this feature introduces eco-friendly information alongside everyday actions, the additional details required careful consideration. To simplify the delivery of both types of information, we tested multiple formats and sought team feedback. Through this process, I realized that trying out different approaches and incorporating feedback is the best way to create an optimal user experience, especially within limited time constraints.