Background
WildIsrael is a non-profit organization that runs a public participation database for wildlife sightings.
This database:
- adds to scientific knowledge,
- informs conservation planning, and
- promotes public engagement with nature.
The Problem
Contributors could report wildlife sightings:
- by filling out a webform, or a similar form in a dedicated Android app,
- or by describing the sighting in natural language in a WhatsApp group.
Each of these approaches caters to a different stakeholder: the webform approach reduces admin workload and the natural language/instant messaging approach appeals to contributors.
WildIsrael sought to:
- reduce admin workload, and
- improve contributors' engagement and sense of community.
The Solution
After conducting competitive analysis and user interviews, I designed a bespoke WhatsApp chatbot for wildlife sightings.
- The chatbot yields data that is easier for admins to work with, compared to reports given in natural language. This reduces the admin workload.
- At the same time, the chatbot makes for a more conversational experience for contributors, compared to filling out forms.
- Additionally, each wildlife sighting can be either:
- posted to a community discussion channel (which contributes to engagement), or
- kept under wraps, for the admins’ eyes only (which some users prefer for several reasons).
Research and Design Process
This presentation (in Hebrew) explains the research and design process:
Prototype
The prototype only works with the following input:
- Species: Hedgehog
- Where did you see it: Haifa
- When did you see the animal: Now
- In what condition was the animal: 1 (Alive)
- Enter 1 again (to confirm)
Client Testimonial
"It has been a privilege to work with Aviv as a UX expert on our public participation GIS dedicated to wildlife sightings.
He performed a thorough examination of our project and provided excellent results: a creatively designed chatbot that is easy to use and is tailored to our association's needs.
The value of his work extends well beyond the final product: Aviv helped us develop a better understanding of our contributors, which will be of great help in future projects."
— Eyal Vanunu, Founder of WildIsrael (December 2020)