Backyards

2022
MFA ArtCenter College of Design
Instructor: Myles Larson

Backyards is an AI-powered mobile app designed to reconnect people with the nature around them—starting in their own neighborhoods. Focused on the greater Los Angeles area, Backyards acts as a real-time, location-based guide to local wildlife, helping residents and nature enthusiasts discover and identify the animals and plants that share their environment.

Whether you're hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, strolling through Griffith Park, or simply exploring your backyard, Backyards reveals what species might be nearby, offering a dynamic experience that feels like a real-life wildlife version of Pokémon Go. Users can scan their surroundings, get instant AI-assisted identifications, learn ecological facts, and contribute sightings to a growing community-driven database.

What Backyards wants to achieve

By combining technology, education, and exploration, Backyards fosters a stronger connection between people and the land they live on—encouraging curiosity, care, and a deeper appreciation for Southern California’s diverse ecosystems.

User scenario story board (part)

Goals to Features, Features to Tasks, MOSCOW and User Journey Map

Iconography sketches and low fidelity wireframes (part)

One of the design challenges was how to encourage users to explore the outdoors while using an app introduces safety considerations. Designing low-distraction, glanceable UI for outdoor use (especially on hikes or near roads) and subtle reminders to stay aware of surroundings will be key.

HOME