ISTANBUL GREEN APP
ISTANBUL GREEN APP
ISTANBUL GREEN APP
Product Designer
Product Designer
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
A mobile application designed to help people explore all the green areas, parks and forests in Istanbul while learning about plants and birds through an AR game.
A mobile application designed to help people explore all the green areas, parks and forests in Istanbul while learning about plants and birds through an AR game.
A mobile application designed to help people explore all the green areas, parks and forests in Istanbul while learning about plants and birds through an AR game.
-Identified needs
-Conducted user analysis
-Designed the product
-Integrated an AR game into the product with Unity 3D
-Identified needs
-Conducted user analysis
-Designed the product
-Integrated an AR game into the product with Unity 3D
9 months — 2020-2021
9 months — 2020-2021
CHALLANGE
CHALLANGE
Low engagement in green areas in Istanbul
Low engagement in green areas in Istanbul
Lack of awareness about newly opened green areas in Istanbul
Lack of awareness about newly opened green areas in Istanbul
Limited knowledge of bird and plant species in Istanbul
Limited knowledge of bird and plant species in Istanbul
PROCESS
PROCESS
I use the 4D Design Methodology, which includes four key phases: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. This approach focuses on thoroughly understanding user needs, clearly defining the problems, developing effective solutions, and delivering the final design to users in a way that meets their needs and expectations.
I use the 4D Design Methodology, which includes four key phases: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. This approach focuses on thoroughly understanding user needs, clearly defining the problems, developing effective solutions, and delivering the final design to users in a way that meets their needs and expectations.
DISCOVER
DISCOVER
DISCOVER
I conducted a user and field analysis to examine the current and potential visitors of green spaces in Istanbul and their main motivations.
I conducted a user and field analysis to examine the current and potential visitors of green spaces in Istanbul and their main motivations.
I conducted a user and field analysis to examine the current and potential visitors of green spaces in Istanbul and their main motivations.
DISCOVER
DISCOVER
Research
Research
Research
Based on my research, I focused on four different personas and conducted interviews with 100 individuals.
Based on my research, I focused on four different personas and conducted interviews with 100 individuals.
Based on my research, I focused on four different personas and conducted interviews with 100 individuals.
An individual interested in learning about and observing nature within the city.
An individual interested in learning about and observing nature within the city.
An individual interested in learning about and observing nature within the city.
An elderly individual who seeks a nearby nature experience when going outside
An elderly individual who seeks a nearby nature experience when going outside
An elderly individual who seeks a nearby nature experience when going outside
A person for whom sports are an essential part of life and who prefers to exercise outdoors
A person for whom sports are an essential part of life and who prefers to exercise outdoors
A person for whom sports are an essential part of life and who prefers to exercise outdoors
A family member who wants to have educational experiences with their children in nature.
A family member who wants to have educational experiences with their children in nature.
A family member who wants to have educational experiences with their children in nature.
Additionally, the field analysis focused on people's reactions to informational signs, their interactions within green spaces, and the elements that attracted their attention.
Additionally, the field analysis focused on people's reactions to informational signs, their interactions within green spaces, and the elements that attracted their attention.
Additionally, the field analysis focused on people's reactions to informational signs, their interactions within green spaces, and the elements that attracted their attention.
DISCOVER
DISCOVER
Interviews
Interviews
Interviews
Key statements from the interviews:
"I didn’t know there was such a diverse habitat in an urban forest in Istanbul."
"I wish there were more sports facilities in the park near my home."
"I would love to have educational and fun games to play with my children."
"I spend too much time in the digital world, so I’d like to relax in a natural setting."
"I’m tired of having monotonous experiences."
"I’m curious about green spaces with more opportunities, but I don’t know where to find them."
"There’s so much interaction in the digital world, but I struggle to adapt to nature."
Key statements from the interviews:
"I didn’t know there was such a diverse habitat in an urban forest in Istanbul."
"I wish there were more sports facilities in the park near my home."
"I would love to have educational and fun games to play with my children."
"I spend too much time in the digital world, so I’d like to relax in a natural setting."
"I’m tired of having monotonous experiences."
"I’m curious about green spaces with more opportunities, but I don’t know where to find them."
"There’s so much interaction in the digital world, but I struggle to adapt to nature."
Key statements from the interviews:
"I didn’t know there was such a diverse habitat in an urban forest in Istanbul."
"I wish there were more sports facilities in the park near my home."
"I would love to have educational and fun games to play with my children."
"I spend too much time in the digital world, so I’d like to relax in a natural setting."
"I’m tired of having monotonous experiences."
"I’m curious about green spaces with more opportunities, but I don’t know where to find them."
"There’s so much interaction in the digital world, but I struggle to adapt to nature."
DISCOVER
DISCOVER
Results
Results
Results
The research findings suggest that people want to engage more with natural spaces but feel a lack of entertainment, confusion, or lack of motivation because they do not fully understand what is available and where.
The research findings suggest that people want to engage more with natural spaces but feel a lack of entertainment, confusion, or lack of motivation because they do not fully understand what is available and where.
The research findings suggest that people want to engage more with natural spaces but feel a lack of entertainment, confusion, or lack of motivation because they do not fully understand what is available and where.
DEFINE
DEFINE
DEFINE
I began processing all the information I gathered, breaking it down to understand the main problems and frame the design challenge.
DEFINE
DEFINE
Problems
Problems
Problems
Low engagement in green areas in Istanbul
Low engagement in green areas in Istanbul
Low engagement in green areas in Istanbul
Lack of awareness about newly opened green areas in Istanbul
Lack of awareness about newly opened green areas in Istanbul
Lack of awareness about newly opened green areas in Istanbul
Limited knowledge of bird and plant species in Istanbul
Limited knowledge of bird and plant species in Istanbul
Limited knowledge of bird and plant species in Istanbul
DEFINE
DEFINE
Design Strategy
Design Strategy
Design Strategy
My approach involves gathering and structuring comprehensive information on green spaces, ensuring that users can easily explore what each location offers. Additionally, I integrate Augmented Reality (AR) interactions and make the content shareable across different platforms to promote these areas in an engaging and shareable way. Finally, by educating users about local bird and plant species, my project fosters a deeper connection between people and their urban nature, encouraging exploration and appreciation of Istanbul’s biodiversity.
My approach involves gathering and structuring comprehensive information on green spaces, ensuring that users can easily explore what each location offers. Additionally, I integrate Augmented Reality (AR) interactions and make the content shareable across different platforms to promote these areas in an engaging and shareable way. Finally, by educating users about local bird and plant species, my project fosters a deeper connection between people and their urban nature, encouraging exploration and appreciation of Istanbul’s biodiversity.
My approach involves gathering and structuring comprehensive information on green spaces, ensuring that users can easily explore what each location offers. Additionally, I integrate Augmented Reality (AR) interactions and make the content shareable across different platforms to promote these areas in an engaging and shareable way. Finally, by educating users about local bird and plant species, my project fosters a deeper connection between people and their urban nature, encouraging exploration and appreciation of Istanbul’s biodiversity.
DEFINE
DEFINE
Solutions
Solutions
Solutions
Curating and presenting information on Istanbul’s green spaces, highlighting their unique features in a user-friendly way
Curating and presenting information on Istanbul’s green spaces, highlighting their unique features in a user-friendly way
Enhancing visibility and awareness of green areas through cross-platform sharing and visually engaging AR-based interactions that encourage word-of-mouth promotion.
Enhancing visibility and awareness of green areas through cross-platform sharing and visually engaging AR-based interactions that encourage word-of-mouth promotion.
Compiling information on lesser-known plant and bird species in the city, providing insights into their presence and indicating where they can be observed within green spaces.
Compiling information on lesser-known plant and bird species in the city, providing insights into their presence and indicating where they can be observed within green spaces.
DEVELOP
DEVELOP
DEVELOP
I transform insights and concepts into tangible designs, refining ideas through structured flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity visuals to create a seamless user experience.
I transform insights and concepts into tangible designs, refining ideas through structured flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity visuals to create a seamless user experience.
I transform insights and concepts into tangible designs, refining ideas through structured flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity visuals to create a seamless user experience.
DEVELOP
DEVELOP
Ideate
Ideate
Ideate
I structured the application into five main sections:
Green Spaces – Information and features of various green areas in Istanbul.
AR Experience – Augmented reality interactions to enhance user engagement.
Birds – Information on local bird species and where to observe them.
Plants – Details about plant species found in the city’s green spaces.
Green Events – Nature-related activities and events happening in Istanbul.
I structured the application into five main sections:
Green Spaces – Information and features of various green areas in Istanbul.
AR Experience – Augmented reality interactions to enhance user engagement.
Birds – Information on local bird species and where to observe them.
Plants – Details about plant species found in the city’s green spaces.
Green Events – Nature-related activities and events happening in Istanbul.
I structured the application into five main sections:
Green Spaces – Information and features of various green areas in Istanbul.
AR Experience – Augmented reality interactions to enhance user engagement.
Birds – Information on local bird species and where to observe them.
Plants – Details about plant species found in the city’s green spaces.
Green Events – Nature-related activities and events happening in Istanbul.
DEVELOP
DEVELOP
User Flow
User Flow
User Flow
DEVELOP
DEVELOP
Wireframes
Wireframes
Wireframes
DEVELOP
DEVELOP
High—Fidelity
High—Fidelity
High—Fidelity
DELIVER
DELIVER
DELIVER
In the Deliver phase, I finalize the design, incorporating iterations and updates based on user feedback, ensuring usability and visual consistency, and prepare the project for implementation and real-world impact.
In the Deliver phase, I finalize the design, incorporating iterations and updates based on user feedback, ensuring usability and visual consistency, and prepare the project for implementation and real-world impact.
In the Deliver phase, I finalize the design, incorporating iterations and updates based on user feedback, ensuring usability and visual consistency, and prepare the project for implementation and real-world impact.
REFLECTION
REFLECTION
REFLECTION
I assess the real-world impact of the solution, examining how users engage with the application, the improvements in awareness and exploration of green spaces, and the effectiveness of the AR and educational features. Based on this evaluation, I identify opportunities for future updates and refinements to ensure the app continues to meet user needs and fosters a deeper connection to Istanbul's biodiversity.
I assess the real-world impact of the solution, examining how users engage with the application, the improvements in awareness and exploration of green spaces, and the effectiveness of the AR and educational features. Based on this evaluation, I identify opportunities for future updates and refinements to ensure the app continues to meet user needs and fosters a deeper connection to Istanbul's biodiversity.
© 2025 Emre Yazici — yazici.em@gmail.com
© 2025 Emre Yazici — yazici.em@gmail.com