Drip Drop

A community-based water conservation app built to preserve California’s water resources

Role

Product Designer, UX/UI, Branding
Senior Capstone Project | Chico State BFA in Graphic Design

The Challenge

California is no stranger to water shortages. Drought conditions and overconsumption put our ecosystems and communities at risk. But most people don’t know how much water they’re using—or how to change.

How do we make water conservation feel less overwhelming, and more actionable?
I set out to design an app that would empower users to reduce their water footprint through simple behavior changes, community support, and visual accountability.

The Idea

Enter DripDrop—a user-centered mobile app designed to track, reduce, and reward personal water conservation.

DripDrop combines habit tracking, local resources, and social motivation into a single platform. The goal? Make water saving feel good, easy, and communal.

Research & Insights

I started with research:

  • Surveys and interviews with peers and community members

  • Studied California water data and everyday household usage

  • Identified key pain points: lack of awareness, forgetfulness, and feeling like “my actions don’t matter.”

Key insight: People are more likely to take action when they see others doing the same, and also when they get small wins along the way.

Goals

  • Help users visualize their water usage

  • Offer personalized, achievable goals

  • Reward consistent progress with badges, challenges, and community shoutouts

  • Highlight local water-saving programs and rebates

Design Process

1. Wireframes & User Flows

I mapped out intuitive paths:

  • Daily water logs

  • Progress tracking dashboard

  • Community challenge hub

  • Local tips and programs

2. Visual Style & Branding

Inspired by clean water and nature, I chose a cool, modern palette of blues and teals with fluid UI elements. I looked to brands like Sweetgreen for a balance of eco-conscious + tech-forward.

Key visuals:

  • Drip-shaped progress meters

  • Friendly typography and rounded edges

  • Calming animations to reinforce habit success

3. Prototype & Usability Testing

Using Figma, I created interactive prototypes and tested with students and faculty. Feedback helped refine:

  • Simpler navigation

  • More positive reinforcement

  • Faster input logging

Features

  • Daily Tracking – Log showers, laundry, and more with a tap

  • Smart Suggestions – AI-generated tips to save water based on your habits

  • Community Challenges – Join local users to hit collective conservation goals

  • Badge System – Unlock fun achievements for consistency and impact

  • Local Resources – Discover rebates, native plant guides, and graywater ideas

Outcome

The final prototype earned high marks from reviewers for its:

  • Clear purpose and intuitive flow

  • Appealing, consistent design system

  • Strong alignment between visuals and mission

DripDrop shows how design can translate awareness into action, one drop at a time!

What I Learned

This project deepened my skills in:

  • UX strategy and user research

  • Systems thinking and interface design

    Creating experiences that motivate change through small, satisfying wins

I’m proud to say DripDrop isn’t just a school project, it’s a concept I’d love to see live in the world.