markdown Copy code

Case Study: Development of the Digital Platform and App "klimo"

Background

As part of the "LESS is more" project, the "klimo" app was developed to help citizens in Kassel reduce their CO₂ footprint and actively participate in regional climate protection efforts. The app combines modern technologies with a user-centric approach and advanced data privacy measures. Learn more at klimo.app.

Objective

The goal was to create a cross-platform app and website that promotes sustainable behavior through gamification and ensures compliance with data privacy regulations. The target was to engage at least 1,000 active users, motivating them to take part in climate protection initiatives.

---

Solution

Concept Phase

• User-Centric Design: Conducted User Persona Workshops to identify target user types and create tailored profiles for app design.
• Visual and Functional Planning: Developed Mood Boards, Feature Tables, and User Journeys as a basis for mockups and screens.
• Technical Planning: Conducted requirements and feasibility analysis and created an information architecture.

Technology Stack

• Cross-Platform Development: Used Flutter to deliver iOS and Android apps with a single codebase.
• Backend Infrastructure: Leveraged Firebase, supported by Google Cloud products like BigQuery and Analytics for monitoring and data management.
• Website Development: Built the website using Webflow for its intuitive CMS and design flexibility.
• Content Management: Used Airtable as the CMS for app content.

Implementation

• Development Environments: Set up separate test and production environments with Continuous Integration/Development pipelines for efficient development and maintenance.
• App Launch: Created App Store and Google Play Store entries, including text, screenshots, and ASO optimization.
• Data Privacy: Developed and implemented a robust data privacy framework in collaboration with external experts to ensure compliance and build user trust.

Features of the MVP Version

• Anonymous and standard user registration with profile creation.
• Onboarding process with consent collection.
• Implementation of the privacy framework.
• CO₂ footprint estimation and tracking.
• Presentation of challenges, articles, partners, and crowdfunding projects via the Ecoshift platform.

The first internal test version was available in November 2021, with the public version released in March 2022. Early feedback from selected internal and public test groups facilitated a user-centered development process.

Gamification and Further Development

• Engagement Features: Team creation, community segmentation, leaderboards for competitive motivation.
• Rewards System: Introduced climate points and virtual rewards in a gamified city environment.
• Interactive Features: Push notifications, a quiz feature, and an Advent calendar for increased engagement.
• Iterative Development: Features were developed iteratively and released after internal beta testing.

Maintenance, Data Analysis, and Sustainability

• Data Analysis: Implemented algorithms and database views in BigQuery for aggregating and anonymizing data for research purposes.
• Continuous Maintenance: Released 31 updates for bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features to ensure functionality and security.
• User Communication: Actively engaged users through updates and new features to maintain an active user base.
• Sustainability: Modularized software components for use in other projects and explored alternative business models with additional municipalities.

---

Results

• User Engagement: Achieved 6,400 active users (target: 1,000), 2,313 CO₂ footprint calculations, 46,597 completed challenges, and 33,686 active sessions.
• Technological Excellence: Delivered a scalable, cross-platform solution leveraging modern technologies.
• Sustainable Impact: Fostered climate awareness and motivated sustainable behavior through gamification and community engagement.
• Long-Term Value: Successfully modularized gamification components for broader application, creating a sustainable and reusable solution.

---

Conclusion

The development of the "klimo" app as part of the "LESS is more" project demonstrates how a user-centric approach, modern technology, and gamification can effectively promote sustainable behavior. The significant surpassing of initial goals highlights the project’s success and potential for replication in other municipalities.

For more information, visit klimo.app.

What we did