Carbon Calculator Concept

This concept was originally developed for a carbon footprint friendly architecture and design company looking to open source their resources in an interactive and educational way. The client ultimately went in another direction, but this is a portion of the overall digital experience that was created, a carbon calculator showcasing the impact that our building choices make on the environment.

The build is broken down into skeleton, organs, and skin, implying consumption and waste, referencing the living aspects of building a home. The style is clean and linear with organic tactile elements that make the design come alive. The dark watercolor “blobs” represent the carbon pollution that clouds the environment.

As items are selected, donut charts show users how their choice compares to others in the category as well as the overall carbon impact of their build compared to the national average. Optional factors including energy mix and building size affect the overall build. This rhizomatic, gamified approach allows users to explore the effects of their decisions whether they are building from the ground up or simply buying a new dryer. Users have the ability to edit, print for reference, or share their results at any time.

It was important to balance informative data with captivating visuals for a tool that could be used by people with varying familiarity with the building process.

Visit the interactive prototype here.

Credits

I lead UX and UI design with production assistance and creative guidance from the team at verynice.