Uppr
User Research · Data Analysis · Wireframing · Prototyping
Uppr is a mobile application designed to empower users to creatively upcycle household waste into functional DIY items. The product offer an intuitive, guided experience for individuals looking to reduce their environmental footprint through hands-on projects.
The Challenge
Helping Users Feel Empowered From The First Step
Many users find DIY upcycling overwhelming. The behavioral issue lies in user’s hesitation to start a project. Uppr tackles this pain point by making the process visual, modular, and tailored.
The Solution
A Platform That Blends Personalization, Community And Technology
Key features were designed to guide users through each step of their DIY journey: starting with scanning materials to receive project suggestions, filtering ideas based on skill level, visualizing outcomes through AR, and offering interactive, corrective guidance throughout the building process.
Goals
UX goals included creating an interface that is approachable for beginners yet inspiring for more experienced users, ensuring that steps can be skipped or revisited as needed, and delivering content that feels personalized and relevant.
From a UI standpoint, the product had to feel light, fresh, and easy to navigate while avoiding the technical look of traditional DIY platforms. The visual language follows a soft, natural tone that aligns with the sustainability ethos while supporting a playful, encouraging experience.
Bianca Riva
Age | 37
Location | Berlin, Germany
Education | Computer Science
Occupation | Software Engineer
Family | Married, mother of two
“I want to teach my kids to care for the planet but I need guidance to make it simple and doable.”
Pain Points
- Overwhelmed by generic and overly complex DIY content.
- Lacks confidence and knowledge to start on her own.
- Limited time to research, plan, and execute creative project.
Goals
- Help her children integrate into local schools and learn Italian in a supportive way.
- Connect with local families, expats, and colleagues to create a support system in Milan, preferably with the Jewish community.
- Ensure the relocation process doesn’t negatively impact her work performance or her family’s well-being.
Observations
Surveys · Interviews · Behavioral Research
To build a user-centered foundation for Uppr, I conducted a mixed-methods study combining a survey of 15 participants with secondary research into behavioral patterns around sustainability and upcycling. This approach helped uncover both practical and emotional drivers behind users’ choices.
of respondents are interested in learning how to reuse everyday waste at home instead of discarding it.
expressed motivation to upcycle, yet 67% don’t know where to begin or lack the confidence to start a DIY project.
of participants reported they throw away materials that could be reused if they had the knowledge, tools and/or ideas.
of users admitted they feel overwhelmed by the complexity of upcycling tutorials found online.
The insights emphasized a clear gap
Users are eager to participate in sustainable practices, but are blocked by lack of guidance, confidence and approachable resources.
User Flow
Color & Typography
Regular / Medium / Italic / Bold
Urbanist
Guided by AI, Enhanced by AR
Uppr transforms into a hands-on creative companion through an intuitive DIY phase with step-by-step guidance enriched by smart features: Augmented Reality lets users preview their creation in real space before they begin, while real-time feedback ensures every element and part is correctly aligned.
