UX—UI · SAAS SOFTWARE · BIODIVERSITY

6XT Software

OVERVIEW

6XT a Dutch early-stage startup is transforming biodiversity monitoring. Their Software as a Service (SaaS) tool combines automation and machine learning using satellite images to identify invasive species (IAPS) on a large scale. By spotting IAPS early, the service aids clients in preventing their spread and lowering maintenance expenses.

MY ROLE

As a solo designer my responsibilities included UX Research, user interview guide, user persona, competitors analysis, ideation, information architecture, user flow, wireframing, logo design, prototyping, iterating on feedback and delivering final designs.

TEAM

Co-founder: Wout van der Weijden

Co-founder: Halithan Çetin

UX&UI Designer: Gabriela Carneiro

TIMELINE

1 month - July 2023

THE CHALLENGE

Creating a user-friendly Software tool to track the spread managing the impact of invasive plants and establish a visual identity.

Within Europe, the annual cost of managing and controlling IAPS exceeds €10 billion. The problem is particularly pronounced in Dutch municipalities dealing with Japanese knotweed, a species that alone incurred €8.2 million in control measures in 2019.

RESEARCH

QUALITATIVE INTERVIEW

We interviewed over than 20 individuals in the Netherlands, including asset managers, ecologists, municipal representatives, and specialists, to understand their specific demands and requirements.

In the Interview Guide I focused on their current species identification methods, thoughts on large-scale IAPS detection software, and challenges faced in distinguishing invasive from native species.

PERSONA

Meet the user, Asset Manager Professional.

The interviews gave us valuable insights, leading me to the creation of our primary audience. With numerous properties to oversee, they navigate the challenge of combating invasive species. Their role involves coordinating with external contractors, receiving real-time information, and prioritizing efficient solutions to protect the properties under their care. Understanding their unique needs guides our user-centric approach.

The key solutions were thoughtfully developed and prioritized using the MOSCOW diagram, we moved on defining features and the structure of the Software. With a clear focus on the MVP first version.

INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE

DESIGN

After delving deep into a research study to identify user pain points and explore potential solutions, I transitioned to my favorite phase in the process, translating ideas into design elements.

The "6XT" logo visually represents the mission to combat the sixth mass extinction through environmental conservation efforts. The software's design utilizes a color palette merging the calming qualities of green with the depth of dark blue, reinforcing its environmental focus. Accompanying this aesthetic is the "Inter" typeface, recognized for its clean appearance, readability, contributing to a professional and minimalist design.

THE SOLUTION

The desing concept fot the 6xt project is minimalist and professional aesthetic. Its user interface embodies the principles of simplicity and functionality.

The map visualization helps user to analyze new infestations in real-time. Enables them to respond promptly and take actions.

Filter areas affected by invasive species: The user can track invasive species in selected areas, specifying types of land, targeted species, property categories, and human activities.

Data visualizations, such as infestation trend graphs, maintain a clean and straightforward design. The color palette highlights each species' identification without conflicting with the overall theme.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Defining my role in the team.

6XT is early-stage startup, in their quest to attract investors and validate their hypothesis for the B2B software they initially prioritized an approach by engaging with institutions. Facing challenges, including locating specialists in the Netherlands and managing their availability, I overcame this barriers by asking assistance from CEOs to handle the business aspect. While I concentrated on defining the focus for an effective UX interview, crafting our UX interview guide, defining the primary persona, user needs, identifying gaps in the current softwares, and translating outcomes into the interface.

What "went wrong”.

Despite their best business efforts, they didn't secure the funds they needed. This financial setback forced a reevaluation of the project's future. In this circumstance, I was asked in the middle of the project whether or not to finish and I chose completing the Hi-Fi prototype.

Unfortunately, this setback meant we couldn't refine the prototype through user tests. This experience taught me the importance of being adaptable in handling unexpected challenges and not giving up.