Bloom was born during one of the most uncertain times in recent history. In 2021, while navigating the challenges of COVID, I set out to create my capstone project. I wanted to design something that was not only functional but also meaningful. The goal was to build an app that could help people connect, slow down, and find growth even while the world felt paused.
The idea started with a simple belief: gardening is more than plants. It can spark community, support sustainability, and improve personal well-being. Whether it is a balcony herb box or a shared neighborhood garden, greenery has the power to transform spaces and bring people together across cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Designing Bloom came with real challenges. How do you make an app about something tactile like soil, sunlight, and growth feel alive on a screen? How do you teach users about plant care or environmental impact without overwhelming them? My solution was to use visuals, icons, and micro-interactions to make the information engaging and easy to digest.
I also had to balance aesthetics with usability. It was tempting to focus on lush, stylized visuals, but I knew the audience would include many different ages and abilities. By using accessible color palettes, simple navigation, and clear hierarchy, I was able to design something practical and welcoming for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
At its heart, Bloom was created to feel like a journey. From onboarding to daily use, every screen was designed to give users a sense of achievement, whether they were tracking the growth of a sprout or seeing how their choices reduced their carbon footprint. The app was not meant to be a textbook. It was meant to be a guide and a companion.
Bloom became more than a capstone project. It was my response to a moment when people everywhere were craving connection, purpose, and care. Even in a time of isolation, growth was possible, and Bloom was my way of proving that.
