Frenua
A gamified approach to facilitate environmental education for youths to develop empathy and understanding of the flora and fauna around them via in-field experience
Background Research
Extensive research was conducted on the topics of environmental education, youth behavior, teaching methods, cultural connections to nature, and more. Working with teachers, curriculum designers, parents, naturalists, and the kids themselves, various surveys, interviews, and co-creation sessions were conducted to gather insights to an effective design
Gen Z Behavior
nearly half of Gen Z youths spend an average of 10 hours using a device each day
youths spend 12.6 minutes a day for outdoor activity compared to 10.4 waking hours inside
State of the Environment
the U.S is the 2nd largest contributor to climate change via CO2 emissions
the percent of species driven to extinction continues to rise exponentially due to human activity
State of Education
the U.S. is the 31st in the world in student science scores
62% of all growth in science-based professions is in the realm of computer science
Survey
surveys were designed and distributed to gain qualitative data from teachers and parents of youths
Interviews
interviews were conducted with parents, teachers, naturalists, and kids from various backgrounds
Co-Creation
events were facilitated ranging from creative games and activities, focus groups, and outdoor recreation observation
Target User
Generation Z, between 3rd and 5th grade. Users are old enough to understand environmental concepts and are tech savvy, but young enough to develop habits for their future
Design Solution
A gamified mobile application that serves as a tool to encapsulate the outdoor experiences one has through the collection of sighted wildlife, the monitoring and fleshing out of collected habitats, and the means of connecting with others through shared experiences in the environment
User Flow
Users begin by downloading a habitats map by scanning the park station code. When exploring they document sightings of particular wildlife and quickly input its defining qualities. Users then return to the station, sync their phone, and use its digital screen to identify and save their species to their phone. Using AR technology, users can view the station’s map of other user’s sightings. To stay connected with the habitat users can monitor their map and collected species
Naturalist Connection
By working with local naturalists to each habitat we ensure the content is adaptable to each location, and according to the time of day/season ensuring relevancy
Station Map
Using topography data of a habitat, software can translate the dimensions and geological features of a region into a digital model. This model will be 3D printed for the park stations as well as used on the app once the habitat is downloaded
Collect Species
by successfully identifying species their information is gathered to your personal collection including its bio, call, location, threats, related wildlife in the ecosystem, and any documented photos from the field
Identify Invasives
if an identified organism is not native to the habitat, it is flagged as an invasive species and can be used to aid local naturalists in locating and identifying these threats
Explore & Identify
while exploring a habitat, wildlife sightings are made through quick and streamlined process according to organism type, size/body type, and color/markings.
See Nature With New Eyes
see the habitat from new eyes, learn more of what it can offer based on other people’s sightings according to time of day or season, type of species, or specific people making the sightings.
Engage & Adapt
by scanning in at the habitat station before each excursion, challenge events are accessed adaptable to the time the user is choosing to explore the region
Brand Identity
The name Frenua is a combination of the Norwegian word Friluftsliv, and the Maori word Whenua. Each word expresses the close cultural connection they have with their unique environments.
