Waterway
Tokyo, Japan
2021, Senior, Interactive & Multimedia
Project Description: Waterway is a user interface design of an app that allows users to learn about where their water comes from, their region’s waterworks and purification systems, view water conservation systems near them, and build better water usage habits. For demonstration purposes, I chose to show how water systems work in Japan. By informing users about how water systems try to mitigate the damage done to the delivery of water, this app visually demonstrates where water comes from, based on where you live.
With ‘Where Water Comes From,” based on the user’s location, they can read about how the water sources can vary depending on where they live and find information on the water systems. For “The Region’s Waterworks,” the user can scroll down to read about how, in the case of Japan, water resources are being developed and current efforts to renovate water and irrigation systems. Thirdly, the user can view where the nearest water conservation systems are based on their saved location. The user can view the progress bar to see how far the conservation system is from their own location and view contact information. Lastly, the user can build goals or habits. The app aims to have the user continuously build beneficial habits and goals that are based on previous progress. For example, if the user spent less time showering, they can drag the bar to the left to challenge themselves to save more water.
Reflection
Reflection
As a resident of Japan, I often read news about floods and natural disasters like typhoons. Furthermore, I experienced the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami firsthand and understand the damage done to homes but also water plants and systems. In order to raise more awareness on how we get access to clean water, I decided to create this app. In the process of doing so, I was able to learn so much about Japan's water and irrigation system. I even visited one of the conservation systems to see how they operate. Through this app, I want to communicate the efforts and attention that goes into delivering water from sources like rivers all the way to our homes. Thus, I also included an option to build habits, which would allow users like me to stay aware about their water usage and consumption.