Prototype for the Planet

Discovery & Research

Nonprofit Analysis

Our journey began in September of 2024, when I joined forces with the members of Climate Designers Boston- Raissa and Brett Duboff. We were ignited by a clear vision of what we wanted to create, though the specifics of timing, location, and our target audience were still taking shape.

We reached out to local climate nonprofits and explored potential event spaces, embracing the opportunity to build new connections. While working within our initial budget and growing our network presented some welcome challenges, this discovery phase proved to be an invaluable learning experience that strengthened our resolve and creativity.

Nonprofit outreach document showing who we reached out to and their interest status

Early Planning

We eventually decided to collaborate with Bentley University and UXGA, having learned of shared interests in running a design event, and with Bentley having the resources to support sponsoring food and space for our attendees. With Lisette Gonzalez, president of the UX Graduate Association, added to our planning team, we were ready to begin planning details.

Finding our Client

We partnered with a nonprofit facing the perfect design challenge: they needed creative solutions after losing significant federal funding. Borderlands Restoration Network does remarkable work with native plants, land trusts, and youth employment across remote areas of Arizona and Mexico. Their complex environmental conservation efforts, combining modern and traditional approaches, created an ideal opportunity for our designers to make a meaningful impact while addressing their urgent funding shortfall.

Bringing in the Community

Once we had an understanding of the need we were solving for, who was designing, and where the event would take place, we brought in members of our communities to help frame the event. I designed a 90-minute visioning workshop where we answered questions about the designathon, including What should the event look like? And what does it mean for a designathon to be sustainable?, We even landed on the name Prototype for the Planet from this event.

Screenshot from team visioning workshop

At the end of the workshop, we built out different teams to take over roles for the event. We divided up the different work needed and used a RACI Matrix to ensure all parties were informed of overlapping tasks and due dates.

Workflow diagram showing different team responsibilities

Digital Design and Branding

I helped the design team create the brand work for the event- overseeing design decisions and working with the team on directions. We landed on an organic feeling direction, using curved vectors and plant textures to go with a natural, "prototype-y" feel. The team worked quickly as we needed to have a minimum viable product in a couple weeks.

Digital design directions for the designathon

The team landed on using key artwork mixing sharp computer imagery and organic floral shapes, and using a warm sans-serif for text with a yellow highlight.

Web design by Naief Shakil and Abhinav Gupta, Logo by Brett Duboff, and Key Art and Illustration by Melissa Woods

Final Coordination

From here, with work divided among teams, I coordinated all volunteers, including 12 mentors, 7 workshop leaders, and 9 judges. I coordinated with all individuals, leading training sessions on conducting workshops, using our judging rubric, and interacting with attendees the week before the event. The event was both in person and remote, and thus required coordinated efforts to make for an equitable experience.

Pages from the Prototype for the Planet Guide made by Lisette Gonzalez

Prototyping for the Planet

Finally the day came on April 12 & 13- with 40 in person attendees and 40 remote attendees. Attendees learned about the work Borderlands Restoration Network does through a keynote session, and formed teams.

Mentors and workshop panelists help guide participating teams through design questions as they worked. Workshops covered topics such as working in sustainability as a UX Designer, using Quantitative Research to make Design Decisions, and the power of Design Sprints.

Volunteers man the registration desk as attendees arrive

Jonathan White presents on Borderlands Restoration Network

Participants listen to the keynote

Praneet Koppula presents on being involved in nonprofits as a designer

On the second day of the event, participants submitted final versions of their work, and presentations began. Each team created actionable insight driven products based on the needs of Borderlands Restoration Network, equipped with insights from the previous day. Judges with high levels of experience in UX, Product, and Climate ranked work, and four teams went on to a final round of judging featuring a Borderlands judge. Each of the four winning team received prizes from our sponsors, including free design courses from AGI and UXPA Boston Tickets.

'Team Michael' presents their design solution

A big thanks to everyone involved in planning- including those not pictured!

Results

"The creativity, passion, and dedication displayed by all the teams were impressive. Looking forward to seeing how this evolves next year and the positive change it will continue to inspire!"

-Damien Thiery, CEO, Climate Impact Solutions

You all pulled off an incredible event and I cannot wait to hear about the next one! 🌱

-Missy Roode, Design Experience Manager

As a participant, I noticed and appreciated the thoughtful planning and organization that went into this event. Thank you for hosting such a valuable opportunity to connect and learn. I'm looking forward to next year's event!

-Michaela Lewis, UX Student