Golden Paddy: A Bridge to Fields of Plenty

Year

2020

2020

Role

UX Designer

UX Designer

Company

Impact Terra

Impact Terra

Category

App, Mobile, Web

App, Mobile, Web

Empowering Myanmar's farmers since 2016, the Golden Paddy app provided market transparency and agricultural consultation, connecting them to a more informed future. As of 2020, the sector evolved and digital literacy grew, Impact Terra saw an opportunity to broaden its reach and impact. Impact Terra tasked our team with reimagining Golden Paddy as a comprehensive platform, bridging the gap between farmers and suppliers with a bustling online marketplace. I, as a UX designer led much of the user journey and visual language efforts.

Re-evaluating App role in Farmers

Although Golden Paddy app offered a broad range of features, after analyzing app usage data with our data analyst, it revealed some features weren't resonating.
The talks with our field team and farmers revealed processes like tracking the farming process are unnecessary, and generic learning materials are rarely useful. While direct consultation was highly valued, it wasn't scalable. Weather forecasts and market prices were among the most accessed features. Then, the pest alert, despite its potential, went unnoticed as farmers frequently inspected their crops in person.

Weaving Both Objectives

With our new business objectives, we are to serve two distinct user groups: retailers seeking storefront management and sales tools, and farmers desiring product discovery and purchase options. This user-centric approach enabled us to tailor features and design a platform that caters to both sides of the agricultural equation.
I crafted unique user journeys and onboarding experiences for both retailers and farmers, ensuring a seamless entry point for all participants. However, internal feedback revealed concerns that managing two separate systems can be resource-intensive before acquiring sufficient users. So, I redefined the user base and proposed a unified onboarding process for potential buyers and sellers. However, cramming core features into one app will be a challenge for a rural user base.
While some upfront user profiling remained essential, I kept it minimal. Extensive testing led to a clear information architecture: products & prices, learning & weather, sales tools, notifications, and profiles. This intuitive layout, enhanced by progressive filtering, simplifies navigation for both buyers and sellers. Collaboration with the content team ensured accurate categorization for better discoverability. We even integrated a chat feature for online consultations, removing friction and boosting engagement. On the other hand, we also designed the product documentation structure for future development.

Adapting to Change in Harder Time

Just as we neared development, the pandemic tightened resources, forcing us to reconsider our native app plans. Facing budget constraints, we opted for a progressive web app (PWA) – a web-based solution with some notification limitations. This pivot required me to redesign the interface for the new platform.
PWA's limited storage posed a challenge, so I streamlined the interface to two core tabs: Explore and Notifications. Explore housed everything users needed, while the profile moved to settings, and chat features were removed. To empower farmers, I upgraded market prices to include trend analysis, providing valuable insights for selling their crops. Implementing notifications was especially tricky, requiring extensive testing.
Beyond the interface, I built a UI kit for our future design system and collaborated with a developer to create a component library. Finally, after overcoming numerous hurdles, we launched the app, brimming with excitement for what we achieved.

Aid to Abundance Harvest

Expert guidance cuts through the confusion, pinpointing the root of farm issues and offering cost-effective solutions tailored to each farmer's needs. No more wasted resources just targeted action for tangible results.
With our online marketplace, the best deals are just a tap away. Farmers can browse a curated selection of high-quality supplies at competitive prices, conveniently delivered to their doorstep.
Forewarned is forearmed. Daily weather forecasts and market updates empower farmers to plan their planting, optimize harvest, and maximize profits by anticipating market trends. Our platform keeps users one step ahead, ready to capitalize on every opportunity.

Buskets Full of Yield

Golden Paddy's redesign wasn't just about an app; it was the start of a more prosperous and equitable agricultural ecosystem. We onboarded local shops and empowered farmers with a user-friendly interface. No longer haunted by supply chain anxieties, farmers can thrive, selling crops for optimal profits thanks to market insights and weather preparedness tools. Rural retailers, guided by our consultants, saw their visibility soar through our platform. This farmer-centric approach solidified Golden Paddy's reputation as a trusted partner, while the platform's synergy with Crop Insight created a seamlessly efficient agricultural ecosystem.
My experience with this project stretched me beyond my comfort zone. Leading company-wide presentations, championing features and design systems, and navigating user feedback honed my communication and advocacy skills. But the most rewarding part was overcoming setbacks and delivering results under pressure. This pivotal experience will undoubtedly fuel my growth for years to come.

Let Me

Terraform

Your Mars

copied to clipboard

Redesigned in May 2024

Let Me

Terraform

Your Mars

copied to clipboard

Redesigned in May 2024

Let Me

Terraform

Your Mars

copied to clipboard

Redesigned in May 2024

Let Me

Terraform

Your Mars

copied to clipboard

Redesigned in May 2024