Minor Project - Tasks

⭐ 25/4/2024 - 25/7/2025 (Week 1 - Week 14)

🎀 Yan Zhi Xuan | 0369425 

💜 Minor Project | Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media | Taylor's University 

📚 Tasks

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TABLE OF CONTENTS  /ᐠ - ˕ •マ ⋆｡°✩

1. Multidisciplinary Learning Experience

2. Instructions

3. Task Progress

4. Feedback

5. Reflections

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1. MULTIDISCIPLINARY LEARNING EXPERIENCE (ON MYTIMES) ⊹ ࣪ ˖₊˚⋆˙⟡

Week 1: Orientation & Module Familiarisation

This week was focused on laying the foundation for our learning journey. Reviewing the module rubric, assignment breakdown, and lecturer profile gave me insight into the expectations and assessment criteria. Overall, this week helped me prepare mentally and practically for what’s ahead, setting a clear roadmap for how I can stay engaged and responsible for my own learning.

Week 2: Introduction to Design Thinking

I was introduced to the foundational principles of design thinking, emphasizing the importance of a human-centered mindset. I learned that design is not just about aesthetics or functionality, but about solving problems from the user’s perspective. The concept of empathy stood out as a key element—encouraging us to step into the users’ shoes and truly understand their experiences, behaviors, and challenges. This approach combined knowledge from psychology, sociology, and creative design, helping me shift away from jumping to solutions too quickly. Instead, I began focusing on framing the right problem first, which is a mindset I now see as essential in all disciplines, whether in business, communication, or design. 

Week 3: Empathy & User Research

This week deepened my understanding of how to gather meaningful insights through direct engagement with users. I explored qualitative research techniques such as interviews and open-ended surveys, drawing on my communication skills to establish trust and ask the right questions. Applying empathy in practice helped me see that user research is not just about collecting data—it’s about understanding people on a deeper level. Using these findings, I crafted user personas with storytelling elements inspired by marketing and psychology, which made them more relatable and insightful. I also learned how to balance emotional insight with observable behavior, leading to more accurate and human-centered design decisions.

Week 4: Insights & Problem Definition

In Week 4, I learned how to synthesize raw research data into actionable insights. This process required both analytical and interpretive thinking—drawing on behavioral psychology to understand motivations and on logic to identify patterns and opportunities. We practiced writing clear, focused problem statements and developed “How Might We” (HMW) questions, which challenged us to reframe issues in a constructive and opportunity-driven way. This week was particularly valuable in helping me see how structure and creativity can work together. By clearly defining the right problems, we set ourselves up for more effective, meaningful solutions.

Week 5: Ideation & Journey Mapping

This week emphasized creative thinking through structured ideation techniques. We explored brainstorming tools such as Crazy 8s, SCAMPER, and Mind Mapping to push beyond obvious ideas and discover innovative possibilities. These activities encouraged me to think like an artist, entrepreneur, and strategist all at once. I also learned how to map a user’s journey through different touchpoints, combining storytelling with UX principles. Journey mapping helped me better visualize the user’s emotions, needs, and pain points over time, reinforcing how important it is to understand the full context of the experience. This week demonstrated how ideation is not a solo act, but a collaborative, interdisciplinary process that thrives on diverse perspectives.

Week 6:  Ideation & Brainstorming Techniques

In Week 6, we shifted from generating ideas to presenting them in a compelling and structured format. I learned how to build a design proposal that communicates value clearly and professionally. This involved applying business strategy, visual design, and presentation skills—creating slides that were not only informative but also visually engaging. I gained experience in storytelling through layout, typography, and image selection, using visual hierarchy to guide attention and emphasize key points. This week taught me that even the best ideas need strong communication to succeed, and that presentation is a crucial skill for any designer or innovator.

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2. INSTRUCTIONS ⊹ ࣪ ˖₊˚⋆˙⟡

Fig. 2.1 Module Information Booklet - Minor Project.

Fig. 2.2 Project Briefing.

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3. TASK PROGRESS ⊹ ࣪ ˖₊˚⋆˙⟡

Week 1

Project Briefing and Group Formation

In the first week of class, Mr. Mike introduced the Module Information Booklet (MIB) and provided a detailed briefing on the upcoming project. We were tasked with applying design thinking to solve real-world problems in collaboration with an industry partner. Each group was given the flexibility to choose a company or brand and propose creative solutions based on their area of expertise.

Following the briefing, we were instructed to form a group consisting of 5–7 members from different specializations. I teamed up with Jessie and Pricillia from Entertainment Design, along with Nicole, Nadia, Yu Xuen, and myself (Zhi Xuan) from UI/UX Design.

Our group decided to work with EXPEDIO on their product Yubari: Self-Watering Pot. This week primarily focused on introductions and initial planning. Nicole, our group leader, took the initiative to contact the client via LinkedIn to establish communication. Meanwhile, the rest of us began our background research on the company to better understand their values, product line, and design direction.

It was a productive start to the project, setting a collaborative tone and giving us a clear direction moving forward.

Fig. 3.1 Expedio Project Preview.

Week 2

Contextual Research and Client Meeting Preparation

This week, Mr. Mike shared the official client meeting schedule—we are set to meet with Expedio on 5th May 2025. We also received access to a Miro board and project tracking document, which we began populating with our research and task delegation updates.

Each team member was assigned specific research responsibilities. I was assigned to conduct the target audience.

 

Fig. 3.1 Task Delegation by Group Leader in Week 2. Expedio also briefed us on Yubari’s intended target audience.

I also took the initiative to develop a detailed target audience segmentation chart to support our design direction. The brand aims to appeal to users who are not just plant lovers, but those who value emotional connection, lifestyle aesthetics, and personalization. Rather than focusing only on experienced gardeners, Yubari is positioned for:The final deliverable identifies five distinct user groups:

1. Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Early 
2. Millennials Desk Setup Enthusiasts
3. Collectible Fans (e.g., Crybaby, Labubu)
4. Content Creators / Streamers
5. Young Professionals

This profiling exercise helped us align Yubari’s features (self-watering, lighting, compactness) with users’ real needs—ranging from aesthetic workspaces to mental wellness and lifestyle branding. It also guided us to design features that resonate emotionally and functionally with different audiences.

Fig. 3.2 Target Audience of Yubari.

Fig. 3.3 Week 2 Overall Research View.

Week 3

Competitor Research Deep Dive and SWOT Analysis

This week marked our first official meeting with the client (EXPEDIO) on 5th May 2025. Some of my teammates were unable to attend the session due to a class clash, while the rest of us participated and took detailed notes highlighting key product values and expectations from the client. This briefing significantly influenced our decisions around product branding, interaction design, and storytelling for the upcoming concept outputs.

Fig. 3.4 Meeting with Expedio's industrial designer, Toru.

After Friday's class, our team gathered at Lepak for an internal meeting to review feedback and reassign tasks accordingly. After reviewing the competitor analysis, Tracy continued developing on competitor research in Week 2.

• Adding price ranges for each product.evp
• Identifying the top 3 bestselling self-watering pots among competitors.
• Analyzing the sales performance and customer reception.
• Comparing brand positioning against Yubari.
• Conducting a SWOT analysis for insights on Yubari’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Fig. 3.5 Online Product Review.

Using online platforms, we discovered that prices for local products vary significantly based on size and features, ranging roughly from RM0–RM30. For best-selling insights, we evaluated sales data and reviews, and concluded that the top 3 bestselling competitors are:

1. Shopee / Online Shop Products – Affordable, widely available, and positively reviewed with large volumes of customer purchases.
2. IKEA Pots – Simple, minimalist, and affordable; ideal for beginner users.
3. Smart Garden 3 by Click & Grow – A premium option with tech-enabled features like automation and grow lights, appealing to modern plant enthusiasts and hobby gardeners.

Fig. 3.6 Week 3 Research Overview.

Meanwhile, Tracy also supported our research by analyzing YouTube reviews of smart garden products, helping us better understand user behavior and age demographics based on video feedback.

This week gave us a clearer picture of where Yubari stands in the market and helped shape our strategy to refine its unique selling proposition (USP) in the upcoming weeks.

Week 4

Contextual Research and Client Meeting Preparation

This week, our focus shifted toward understanding our target users through persona development and survey distribution. As a group, we reviewed and refined the interview questions, aligning them with the personas we were creating. We also started identifying participants to be interviewed later in the process. 

Fig. 3.7 Questionnaire Design: Google Doc.

We approached persona creation by segmenting based on gardening experience level. This ensured that our designs could cater to a broader spectrum of users, from novices to experienced plant enthusiasts. We also included all the source links and references we used to build the persona, and they are available on our Miro Board for transparency and group collaboration. 

Fig. 3.8 Initial User Personas.

In addition to persona creation, all team members worked together to promote and distribute our survey. We successfully gathered over 60 responses so far, and our goal is to reach at least 80 responses to ensure a more accurate and diverse set of data for our analysis.

📊 Survey Link: https://forms.gle/zwHqm17KaeNmJ6Hb8

Week 5

Refining User Personas and Vist Expedio

This week, our main priorities were to finalize our user persona and attend a site visit to Expedio Studio for a deeper understanding of the Yubari product. During class, Mr. Mike reviewed our initial personas and provided valuable feedback. He pointed out that our YouTuber persona may not be the most suitable for this product context, as it didn’t align directly with Yubari’s market direction.

He advised us to revisit our user profiling and focus on audiences who are more likely to purchase and engage with the product. He also noted that while our two student personas had different levels of planting skill, we only needed to keep one and introduce more varied, lifestyle-driven personas—such as a work-from-anywhere (WFA) office worker or a collector with a passion for plants.

Based on his feedback, we refined and finalized our user personas, balancing between functionality, lifestyle alignment, and consumer potential.

Later that week, on 23rd May 2025, Jessie, Pricillia, Nicole, and Tracy visited the Expedio studio to meet with Toru, the designer behind Yubari. The visit offered hands-on insights into the product design and its intended experience. I did not make it to visit because I was not feeling well at the time.

Fig. 3.9 Documentation.

Toru introduced the Yubari self-watering pot, showcasing its three color variants—pink, green, and lime. He demonstrated how the self-watering mechanism works and shared that the current batch uses 

succulents, but the next plan includes herbs to promote functionality and sensory interaction. They also had the chance to talk to Mr. Wong, the co-founder of Expedio, who shared the backstory and brand vision of the company. From the visit, we understood that Expedio aims to build a lifestyle community around Yubari, with strong emphasis on visual branding, collectibility, and user-generated content.

Fig. 3.10 Visitation - Yubari.

Week 6

Survey Result and Data Analysis

This week, our survey reached 85 responses, giving us a solid dataset to begin analysis. Team members Jessie, Pricillia, and Nadia took the lead in examining the survey results—identifying patterns in user behavior, preferences, and feedback. Meanwhile, the remaining members focused on refining the user personas based on the data.

Fig. 3.11 Week 6 Tasks Overview.

During this week, all members started to do the Progress Tracking Document.

Week 7

Data Summary, User Persona Reiteration and Insight Discovery

In Week 7, our team worked collaboratively to synthesize the survey data and prepare it for inclusion in the findings section of our proposal. We divided the workload strategically to ensure a productive outcome:

• Nadia worked on the overall survey summary.
• Zhi Xuan (me) began developing the proposal slides.
• Tracy was responsible for the user persona reiteration.

Fig. 3.12 Start developing Proposal slides in Canva.

I was in charge of developing and designing the proposal slides, starting with: 

• Introduction – outlining the background of the project, brand, and objectives. 
• User Research – explaining our approach, such as survey distribution, user interviews, and data analysis. 
• Findings – highlighting the key insights gathered from user data, feedback, and contextual research. 

Tracy reformatted the previous personas from 3:4 to 16:9 to ensure consistency with our proposal deck. We also added new sections, including “Plant Experience” and “Motivation to Buy”—the latter replacing the earlier motivation chart with a more relevant purchase factor matrix. After analyzing the survey data, we decided to expand from three to five user personas and created two new personas, Sylvia and Adrian. While they share some characteristics with existing profiles, their personality traits and purchase motivations differ—adding depth and variety to our target segmentation.

Fig. 3.13 Finalised User Personas.

Finally, as a team, we contributed our individual Top 5 insights based on survey data. These were grouped on Miro, where Nicole began categorizing and framing the key themes, user needs, and final problem statement. My contributions were marked with blue sticky notes. This week’s progress has set a strong foundation for our next phase—ideation and concept development for Yubari.

Fig. 3.14 Insight Discovery.

Week 8

Problem Statement, Ideation and Art Direction

Although we didn’t have a physical class this week due to the midterm break, Dr. Mike organized a check-in session via Microsoft Teams to monitor our project’s progress. During the session, we reviewed the work done so far, particularly the problem statement, “How Might We” (HMW) questions, and project goals—all led by Nicole.

Fig. 3.15 Problem Statement and HMW.

Dr. Mike provided constructive feedback using sticky notes on our Miro board. He highlighted key areas that needed refinement, especially encouraging us to shape our brand's big idea to align with an emotional narrative—similar to how Snickers is positioned as a solution for hunger and mood.

Following the check-in, we were split into two sub-groups:

• One group focused on the Miro board (Nicole, Nadia, Tracy)
• The other handled the Proposal Slides (Zhi Xuan, Jessie, Noelle, Pricillia)

I joined the Slides Team this week, contributing to the User Research section of the proposal. Working closely with the team, I helped shape this section into a clear and visually engaging narrative that ties our research back to user needs and motivations.

Fig. 3.16 Research Methodology.

Meanwhile, the Miro team worked on creating Empathy Maps and User Stories for the three interviewees to feed into the user journey mapping.

Fig. 3.17 Empathy Map and User Stories.

We later held a group meeting to discuss ideas in response to the refined HMW questions. Building on feedback from Dr. Mike, we proposed a new direction—Yubari as a “plant companion” that’s collectible, emotionally meaningful, and personalized like a pet or desk buddy.

Fig. 3.18 Brainstorming Ideation and Solution.

With the concept direction locked in, we outlined our branding strategy, which consists of four main outputs:

1. Packaging Design – With QR code linking to the website (Nadia)
2. Instagram Account & Mascot Design – In both 2D and 3D (Jessie, Pricillia)
3. Website Mockup – Including Home and Purchase Pages (Tracy, Nicole)
4. Mobile App Mockup – Featuring Plant Care Tracking UI (Zhi Xuan, Noelle)

We also began to discuss the UI design system, focusing on typography, color palette, and iconography. Our chosen aesthetic leans toward rounded sans-serif fonts and soft, playful visuals, in harmony with Yubari’s friendly brand tone.

Fig. 3.19 Branding.

Week 9

Refined Ideation and Design Proposal Presentation Preparation

After presenting our draft, our group received feedback from Dr. Mike and made refinements to improve clarity, consistency, and design alignment. These updated slides reflect both our initial ideas and the enhancements made through collaborative iteration.

Presentation Slides: Canva Link

Fig. 3.20 Problem Statement and HMW Statements.

During this week, Noelle and I worked on the first stage of the YuLife app mockups, focusing on the app name, page structure, and gathering visual references. We defined the app’s purpose and style direction, choosing a calm and lifestyle-oriented approach inspired by plant care. 

Fig. 3.21 First Stage of Designing the App.

We named our mobile app YuLife, combining “Yu” from Yubari and “Life” to reflect a calm lifestyle centered on growth, care, and emotional well-being. Designed to complement the Yubari pot, YuLife helps users track plant status, receive weekly care tasks, and enjoy a personalized growing journey with AI support. The app includes five main pages: Home for plant status, Tasks for care reminders, Add New Plant for setup, Yubari Shop to explore accessories, and Account for user settings. Together, these features create a complete, peaceful plant care experience.

We developed the UI Kit and moodboard for YuLife, establishing the visual direction of the project. We decided to use green and pink as the main colors, inspired by the Yubari watering pot’s appearance. The finalized palette now guides all design elements for consistency across platforms.

Fig. 3.22 UI Kit.

In our design journey for YuLife, we started with a clear focus: to create a plant care app that feels friendly, peaceful, and smart — just like the Yubari self-watering pot it's paired with. The goal was to offer a digital companion that supports users in taking care of their plants while promoting a mindful, joyful lifestyle.

We began by developing low-fidelity wireframes to establish the structure and flow of the app. Key screens included onboarding, sign-in/sign-up, home plant dashboard, task list, plant scanner, shop, and account page. These wireframes helped us map out the user journey — from tracking their plant’s health to purchasing accessories in the Yubari shop.

Fig. 3.23  App Wireframes.

Currently, our team is moving forward with task distribution based on this design system: Jessie and Priscillia are recoloring the mascot and brand logo to match the finalized color palette, ensuring brand harmony. Nicole and Tracy, who are in charge of the website, will also follow the same visual language to maintain consistency between app and web interfaces. Nadia is developing the packaging mockups and has started gathering reference materials to inform the design direction.

Fig. 3.24 Brand Logo, Mascot Design, Packaging Mockups.

Week 10

Presentation Slide

Fig. 2.25 Design Proposal - Yubari G4 / Minor Project G10.

Once the slides were finalized, Dr. Mike assigned all groups to have a meeting with Toru to present their design proposals on 26 June 2025 (Thursday). Our group leader represented the team during the presentation, demonstrating strong communication and presentation skills. The meeting was a valuable opportunity to showcase our research, ideation, and visual direction — as well as to receive constructive feedback for further refinement moving forward. 

Fig. 3.26 Meeting with Toru(client).

We received positive feedback from the client, who appreciated the overall effort and thought our proposed solutions were well-considered. He specifically mentioned that he liked the mobile app idea, acknowledging that most users today prefer accessing content via their phones. From observing other group feedback, we learned that the client has a strong preference for minimalist design styles. He also complimented our chosen color palette, noting that it aligns perfectly with their brand direction and what they were looking for.

Week 11

Designing YuLife: From Wireframes to High-fi Prototypes

Once the structure was solid, we moved into creating high-fidelity prototypes. We finalized a gentle and cheerful color palette of green and pink, inspired by the Yubari pot itself. This visual direction set the tone for the whole app — soothing yet playful. Our mascot and icons were recolored to match the palette, enhancing visual consistency and brand identity. We also used real photos of plants in the app interface to add authenticity and better communicate the purpose of the app.

Fig. 3.27 Work Progress of App Mockups (Color Experiments, Layouts).

Fig. 2.28 Final App High-fi Prototypes.

One of the highlights of our mockup is the personalized plant dashboard, greeting users by name and offering daily care tips based on real-time plant status. The task system is gamified with icons and progress indicators, encouraging users to water, trim, or even "walk" their plants. The Yubari Shop integrates seamlessly into the app, allowing users to browse and purchase pots and accessories with just a few taps.

With these design elements combined, YuLife delivers a cozy, helpful experience that nurtures both plants and people. Our team continues refining the UI in Figma, making sure it stays consistent across platforms and ready for the final Week 15 presentation.

 Dr. Mike outlined the content structure for our final presentation deck, which should include: 

• Big Idea (explained) + Brand Values 
• User Persona 
• Art Direction (including different logo versions) 
• User Journey Map 

A rough timeline was provided: 

• Week 13: Work on final version/prototype 
• Week 14: All visuals must be finalized and approved 
• Week 15: Final presentation

Week 12

Final Presentation Slide Setup

As we approached the final phase of our Minor Project, our group began distributing specific tasks to streamline the final deliverables. For Week 12 to Week 13, all group members tackled their individual roles: 

• Nadia, Pricillia, and Jessie worked on mockups for IG posts, the Myru character, and product-based items like keychains and clips. 
• Noelle focused on creating thumbnails for our social media reels, maintaining visual consistency. 
• Tracy and Nicole collaborated on the YuLife website, following the UI kit and final color palette for design coherence. Niqo also took charge of completing the customer journey map and preparing the Gantt chart for our timeline documentation. 
• Zhi Xuan (Shanzi / me) began structuring the final presentation as a whole, collecting input from each teammate and ensuring it aligned with Dr. Mike’s and Toru’s earlier feedback. With clear roles and ongoing collaboration, our team is progressing steadily toward a polished and cohesive final showcase in Week 15.

I began building the final presentation slides for our Minor Project. My focus was on organizing the content flow, aligning the design with our finalized UI direction, and ensuring consistency across all sections — from the big idea and user research to mockups and art direction. I also made sure the slides visually matched our brand identity by applying the green and pink color palette and using the chosen typeface, Poppins.

Fig. 2.29 Building Final Presentation.

Fig. 2.30 YuLife App Prototype.

This week, Noelle and I collaborated closely on building the YuLife app prototype for the final presentation. While I focused on designing the high-fidelity app mockups, Noelle worked on connecting the screens and interactions in Figma to simulate the full app experience. We carefully mapped the user flow from onboarding to core features like Home, Tasks, Add New Plant, Shop, and Account, ensuring a smooth and intuitive navigation. Additionally, we came up with the idea to showcase the mockups in a more dynamic and engaging way — possibly through an ad-style video. This concept would highlight the app’s key functions in action, bringing the experience to life for our audience during the final presentation.

Fig. 2.31 Website Prototype.

Tracy and Nicole designed the Yubari website. They designed the website according the colour pallate and tried to generate and edit different images of Yubari Pot to be used in the website.

Week 13

Mockups Showcase

Fig. 2.32 App Mockup by Yan Zhi Xuan(Shanzi) and LimYu Xuen(Noelle)

After experimenting with several color mockups, I finalized the pink background version for the YuLife app showcase. This version received the most positive feedback from my team members for its visually appealing, soft, and clean look. The subtle pink tone complements the plant-themed UI and enhances the warmth and friendliness of the app identity, making it feel more inviting and cute — just like how we want users to feel when caring for their Yubari plants.

Fig. 2.33 Website Mockup Showcase by Tracy and Kiew Ting Yi(Nicole)

Our second design solution is the Yubari website. We focused on a clean and intuitive layout, making the shopping experience easy and enjoyable. We also incorporated interactive elements such as hover effects and a responsive layout to enhance user engagement. The visual identity — including colours, typography, and imagery — is consistently applied to reinforce brand recognition. Links to our social media handles, our app YuLife, and seasonal collections will be in the website as well.

Fig. 2.34 Instagram Page and Reels Posts by Pricillia and Jessie

Fig. 2.35 Instagram Page and Posts by Pricillia and Jessie.

So we’ve decided to create short-form content where it will be posted on some social media where we have an example for Instagram here, it will include posts that introduce Yubari, showcase our mascot, and feature promotional ads. We’re also working on a series of reels covering topics like plant care tips, fun content such as Yubari’s journey as our pet, and study vlogs with Yubari as part of the scene. And as you can see, we’ve already designed several visuals for the Instagram posts to ensure a cohesive and engaging feed.

Fig. 2.36 Packaging by Nadia

Furthermore, we have Yubari’s packaging design. We aim to use this as an approach to make Yubari stand out both online and on physical shelves. Using a minimalist yet bold layout, the brand’s vibrant colours stand out with the soft background to communicate freshness and premium quality. We also made the packaging more sustainable and functional — easy to open, stackable, and designed with shipping efficiency in mind. This packaging also includes a QR code that has all our links and a basic plant care card.

Fig. 2.37 2D+3D Mascot Design and Keychain Design by Pricillia, Jessie, and Nadia

Fig. 2.38 Mascot Sticker Pack by Nadia

Myru(mascot) is a cheerful and energetic mascot inspired by a pot. With its bright yellow body, leafy green sprout on top, and small pink hands, Myru embodies positivity and nature. Its simple, round shape makes it cute, approachable and lovable for all ages.

For the main color we use a bright color which is yellow to present a cheerful and energetic mascot that is inspired by the pot. The body part of the mascot is the pot and the leaf on top is the plant. Myru has little pink hands and the simple rounded shape makes it cute and lovable. We’ve got 2d Myru with expressions. Happy, dizzy, sad,energetic. We also have a 3d version of Myru with different angles. The right side is the keychain for the accessories

Fig. 2.39 Packaging Design by Nadia

Nadia did the Yubari’s packaging design. We aim to use this as an approach to make Yubari stand out both online and on physical shelves. Using a minimalist yet bold layout, the brand’s vibrant colours stand out with the soft background to communicate freshness and premium quality. She also made the packaging more sustainable and functional — easy to open, stackable, and designed with shipping efficiency in mind. This packaging also includes a QR code that has all our links and a basic plant care card.

Week 14

Final Presentation Slide Preparation

Fig. 2.40 Work Distribution of Final Presentation.

As we entered Week 14, our team focused on preparing for the final presentation. We finalized our content flow and assigned sections based on availability and individual strengths. The goal was to stay within the 15-minute time limit while ensuring all core aspects of the project were covered clearly and confidently.

The script was divided into five key segments:

1. Intro – Covering the problem statement, solution overview, big idea, and goal statement.
2. User Personas & Survey Insights – Highlighting the research findings from our interviews and questionnaires.
3. Customer Journey Map – Explaining user touchpoints, emotions across the timeline, and insights drawn from our journey map and Gantt chart.
4. Art Direction – Showcasing the UI mockups, branding assets (typography, icon style, color palette), and deliverables like Instagram posts and reels.
5. Conclusion – A final wrap-up to reinforce our brand message and product impact.

To manage time efficiently, we adjusted shorter segments to 1-minute slots, giving more space to key areas like the customer journey and art direction. Everyone contributed to polishing their slides and rehearsing their parts, ensuring the entire presentation would flow smoothly and leave a strong impression during Week 15.

🎉 Week 15

Final Presentation

Fig. 2.41 Conclusion and Documentation of Final Presentation.

On 1st August, we successfully presented our final YuBari project to the EXPEDIO team during Week 15. It was a proud moment for all of us as we showcased the full journey — from ideation and user research to the final app, website, and brand experience.

We were thrilled to receive positive feedback from the EXPEDIO members. One of them even said, “Wow, that’s amazing — I really like it, especially the app and website!” They praised how the art direction aligned beautifully with the YuBari product, and appreciated the consistency in our branding, UI, and tone. They were so satisfied that they had no questions, which gave us a boost of confidence. It was a fun and light-hearted session, ending with a playful reminder from them to “stay grounded and humble.” 😊

Overall, it was a rewarding conclusion to weeks of hard work and collaboration — and we’re really happy that our design direction and storytelling resonated with the brand.

Fig. 2.42 Final Presentation - Yubari G4 / Minor Project G10.

⭐ Final Submission

Yubari Self-Watering Pot Minor Project G10 - Expedio 4 Miro Board

Fig. 3.43 Yubari Self-Watering Pot Minor Project G10 - Expedio 4 (Miro Board).

App Prototype

Fig. 3.44 App Wireframes and Prototype.

Website Prototype

Fig. 3.45 Project Tracking Document.

Progress Tracking Document - YUBARI EXPEDIO G10

Fig. 3.46 Project Tracking Document(PDF).

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4. FEEDBACK ⊹ ࣪ ˖₊˚⋆˙⟡

Week 1-2

Dr. Mike advised us to complete the weekly quizzes using Ncodle Factory (AI Learning Assistant) to help reinforce our understanding of the lecture materials. These quizzes serve as a self-check tool to ensure we’re keeping up with key concepts and retaining what we’ve learned each week. 

Week 3

We received feedback to further refine and clarify Yubari’s company identity. We were also advised to reorganize our five target audiences into three more defined and meaningful grouped segments. We need to research the top three best-selling self-watering plant products from our competitors, including their pricing and sales performance. We were asked to compare how these competitors are positioned in the market and identify their strengths and weaknesses relative to Yubari. We were encouraged to explore why consumers are willing to pay more for these alternatives, understand what drives their communities, and analyze the characteristics of these user groups. From these insights, we will begin developing our user persona.

Week 4

We received approval for our interview questions and were advised to begin conducting data research through interviews.

Week 5

We were reminded that user personas should be based on real data, not assumptions. We were guided to narrow our target audience and avoid overly broad groups like YouTubers outside Malaysia. We were instructed to finalize three user personas by the end of the week. We were encouraged to continue with the survey since it was already started.

Week 6

We successfully gathered over 80 survey responses and were told to begin data analysis. We were encouraged to use AI to speed up the summarization process rather than spending excessive time on manual sorting.

Week 7

We needed to start organizing our findings and identifying categories. We had to move forward to the "problem" and "how might we" stages. We were asked to select 1–2 personas and analyze their needs and insights.

Week 8

We were advised to align the user need more accurately with the insight: “a self-sustaining plant care.” We needed to clarify that our focus should be on creating various Yubari designs to raise awareness through education and promotion, rather than just customization. We were reminded not to redesign Expedio’s branding but to focus on branding for Yubari.

Week 9

We were given feedback based on the slides. He advised to work on developing a complete customer journey better to understand the user's interaction with the product. We were reminded to answer the “How Might We” (HMW) questions only after finalizing the big idea to maintain clarity and focus. We need to collect and include more visual references, as there were none provided to support the current mockup. We were told to keep the art direction simple and clean, avoiding overcomplication.

Week 10

We received positive feedback from the client, who appreciated the overall effort and thought our proposed solutions were well-considered. He specifically mentioned that he liked the mobile app idea, acknowledging that most users today prefer accessing content via their phones. From observing other group feedback, we learned that the client has a strong preference for minimalist design styles. He also complimented our chosen color palette, noting that it aligns perfectly with their brand direction and what they were looking for.

Week 11

We were instructed to complete the customer journey map by the end of this week. We need to finalize and lock in our ideas by Week 14, and after that, focus on refining and polishing. Our final presentation slides should be 90% completed by Week 14 to ensure readiness for Week 15 presentation. For the storyboard, we must use real photos instead of drawings to better communicate the narrative. The final presentation will primarily focus on showcasing the mockup designs. We were also advised to use Figma to present our microsite and mobile app designs.

Week 12

We were instructed to complete the customer journey map by the end of this week. We need to finalize and lock in our ideas by Week 14, and after that, focus on refining and polishing. Our final presentation slides should be 90% completed by Week 14 to ensure readiness for Week 15 presentation. For the storyboard, we must use real photos instead of drawings to better communicate the narrative. The final presentation will primarily focus on showcasing the mockup designs. We were also advised to use Figma to present our microsite and mobile app designs.

Week 13

There was no formal consultation or new feedback this week. We used this time to review our progress, refine the presentation slides, and prepare all visual components for final approval in Week 14.

Week 14

Dr. Mike approved the art visuals but mentioned that the direction and flow were unclear and confusing. We were instructed to include the customer journey map in our slides to guide the storytelling and structure of our visuals. The customer journey map also needs to be more detailed and clearly structured in Miro. Mike emphasized the need to show how our user personas transition into actual customers through the journey. We were advised to plan the visual content step-by-step, such as outlining how many reels are needed and what the opening of the final reel would look like.

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5. REFLECTIONS    /ᐠ - ˕ •マ

Week 1

I began by watching the introductory and lecture videos, which gave me a clear overview of what to expect from the module and how it would be structured. I also familiarized myself with the HyFlex learning approach by reading the FAQs and noting down the Interactive Synchronous Learning (ISL) schedule. This helped me understand how to manage my time effectively across asynchronous and live sessions. 

Week 1-2

I discovered that design is about finding solutions to issues from the viewpoint of the user, not only about usefulness or aesthetics. One very important component was the idea of empathy, which pushes us to put ourselves in the users' position and fully comprehend their struggles, behaviours, and experiences. This method helped me move away from making snap decisions by combining insights from creative design, psychology, and sociology.

Week 3

This week, we presented our initial research on Yubari and received feedback to refine the brand identity, group our target audiences into three segments, and deepen our competitor analysis. The discussion helped me realise the importance of understanding not just who our competitors are, but why users are drawn to them. I learned that strong branding relies on knowing both the market and the user mindset. Moving forward, we will apply this by creating user personas based on real behaviours and motivations to guide our design decisions.

Week 4

I learned the importance of securing timely approval for our research materials, as it directly affects the project timeline and efficiency. Once our interview questions were approved, we were able to move forward without delays and begin collecting valuable data. Starting the interviews early gave us a head start in gathering deeper, firsthand insights from real users, which helped us build a more accurate understanding of our target audience. It also made me realize how essential early planning and communication are when working on user-centered design projects.

Week 5

This week reinforced the importance of grounding our user personas in actual data rather than assumptions. It made me realize that guessing user behaviour or preferences without supporting evidence can lead to misleading conclusions and weak design decisions. By focusing on real data collected from our surveys and interviews, we’re able to build personas that accurately reflect user motivations, goals, and pain points. This feedback also pushed me to narrow down the theme and identify a more realistic, specific group of potential buyers for Yubari—rather than casting the net too wide with audiences like international influencers. It reminded me that good design starts with knowing who we’re truly designing for.

Week 6

I realized how efficient and insightful data analysis can be when we leverage the right tools, especially AI. Using digital solutions helped us identify patterns, trends, and user needs much faster and more accurately. This experience reminded me not to get stuck in repetitive or time-consuming manual tasks when smarter, more efficient alternatives are available. It also taught me the importance of working smarter—using technology not just for convenience, but as a way to improve the depth and quality of our findings. Moving forward, I’ll be more open to exploring digital tools that can enhance the research and design process.

Week 7

I learned that how to identify recurring patterns and common themes, which helped us determine the most significant and relevant aspects emerging from our user research. We moved on to the insight discovery phase. Each group member was tasked with identifying and sharing their top 5 key findings based on the data collected from our research. Once everyone had contributed their insights, we collaboratively reviewed and organized them into categories.

Week 8

During our Week 8 meeting, we discussed our next steps for the ideation and solution phase. As part of the solution development, I will be working together with Yu Xuen (Noelle) to mock up a mobile app interface that showcases an easy plant care tracking system for Yubari. Our task involves creating three main screens: the Home Page, the Watering Page, and the Profile Page. We will be using Figma for the design process and aim to highlight how the app supports user-friendly interactions with self-watering features. This collaboration allows us to visualize how technology can enhance the Yubari product experience and strengthen user engagement.

Week 9

This week’s feedback helped me realize the importance of presenting ideas in a logical and user-focused sequence. Adjusting the slide order made our concept easier to follow and more professionally structured. It also reminded me that answering the “How Might We” questions too early can disrupt the flow and clarity of the proposal. Working on the customer journey allowed me to step into the user’s shoes and better understand their needs and emotions at each touchpoint. I also recognized how essential visual references are in communicating design intent—they help align the team’s vision and give life to abstract ideas. Finally, simplifying our art direction taught me that good design isn’t about adding more, but about communicating clearly and purposefully.

Week 10

I think this week’s feedback gave us a confidence boost knowing that our ideas resonated well with the client. I was particularly glad that our mobile app concept was well-received, as it validated our focus on accessibility and modern user behavior. The client’s preference for minimalism reminded me of the importance of restraint in design—how clean, thoughtful layouts can often communicate more effectively than visually complex ones. I also appreciated the recognition for our color palette, which showed that our design decisions were aligned with brand expectations. Overall, this session motivated me to stay focused on clarity, consistency, and user-centered choices.

Week 11

We were advised to improve our art direction to ensure stronger visual consistency and alignment with the brand. We were reminded to visualize the full customer journey map clearly for the final presentation.

Week 12

This week, I learned the importance of finalizing all core ideas before moving into the polishing stage. With the deadline approaching, it became clear that having a solid direction helps the team work more efficiently and stay aligned. I also learned how crucial it is to maintain consistency across all visual elements—especially in our slides, mockups, and user journey map. As we refined our storyboard and switched to using real photos, I understood how much more relatable and impactful visuals become when they reflect real-life contexts. Additionally, working with Figma to present both the microsite and mobile app helped me improve my skills in creating interactive, user-friendly designs. Overall, this week pushed me to be more detail-oriented and reminded me that good design is not just about creativity, but also about clarity and execution.

Week 13

Even without formal feedback, this week taught me the value of self-review and team accountability. It was a crucial time to reflect on what we’ve done, make final adjustments, and ensure all elements are aligned with our concept and branding. I also learned how to collaborate efficiently under pressure, focusing on polishing and improving details. Reviewing our own work critically helped us identify gaps we hadn’t seen before, and it made me more confident in our readiness for Week 14 visual approval and the final Week 15 presentation.

Week 14

This week helped me understand how important it is to not just design visuals, but to ensure they follow a logical narrative flow. The feedback reminded me that the customer journey is not just a research tool, but a framework that ties together every visual and design decision we make. By embedding it into our slides, we can communicate our concept more clearly to both the client and audience. I also learned how critical it is to show progression—from persona to customer—which makes our story more persuasive and realistic. Moving forward, I’ll pay more attention to how visual content connects across steps and supports the overall user experience.