Learning about my resources
Users currently have the tools needed to complete this task but do not, due to disinterest or inertia. This feature will allow users to enter their location, confirm their utility providers among those the app finds, and then viewing the various informative screens in the app. The user can view all of their providers in one place, and see, for example, that their drinking water comes from the same place geographically as their electricity, since the source is from a hydroelectric dam. They could realize that while the garbage goes to a landfill and stays there, the compost goes to gardens and farms.
Understanding my options
Here the user can delve deeper into the various providers, where most users currently assume they have no options but the status quo. Rather than viewing them all on one screen, they can see profiles on each one: service area, services provided, cost, average customer use level, resource sourcing, and perhaps more, varying by utility type and individual companies. If more than one utility provider services the user’s home address, this is also where they would be able to learn about and compare options.
Comparing myself to others
Finally, this task allows the user to enter their own usage data and billing rates, track their historical usage, and view what other use, as reported by the state/region and utility companies. Users can view their usage plotted over time against themselves or the average. Hopefully, this would motivate change by showing that it is possible or even common to use and spend less. While users currently may see information on their energy bills about usage percentiles, not all companies do this today.
Complete Actions (easy)
Users can complete daily (ex. "take a 5-minute shower") or longterm (ex. "install a low-flow toilet") water-saving actions to accumulate drops.
Tend to Garden (medium)
Users can water their plant to keep it healthy and help it grow, or purchase more plants using accumulated drops.
Customize Experience (complex)
Users can change their plants' names and colors, purchase additional plants to expand their garden, or connect social media accounts to further create a unique app experience.
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