Before starting our research, we planned our approach by discussing our individual strengths and weaknesses across different aspects of the project (e.g., UI design, wireframing, presenting). This helped us allocate roles based on each group member’s skills and interests.

We then conducted initial research to develop a shared, comprehensive understanding of our Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and kotahitanga, ensuring we could thoughtfully integrate them into our app.

Each of us generated ideas for an app that aligned with kotahitanga and our SDG. Many of our initial concepts overlapped, so we refined our focus to three key ideas: a vaccination tracker, a shared health goal app, and an app for interacting with nature. We then brainstormed features for each idea and voted on the one we liked most, as well as the one we believed would be the most successful and best represent kotahitanga. Ultimately, we decided to move forward with the shared health goal app.

Each group member analysed similar existing apps, helping us to explore existing features and brainstorm innovative approaches for our app, including how to integrate kotahitanga into the design.  

We initially had a lot of ideas we wanted to integrate into the design but chose to reflect on whether each feature aligned with kotahitanga. If it didn’t, we decided not to include it. We also recognised that an overly complex app wouldn’t be successful, so we streamlined our main features into three core categories: groups (shared health goals, connection (messaging), and a map (discovering local events).

We ran our idea by our lecturer, who provided valuable feedback. We realised several features needed refinement, and he encouraged us to incorporate Māori health models while emphasising the importance of cultural context and Mātauranga design.

Initially, we considered having a map as one of the main features, where users could browse local events and attend meetups. However, we decided to change this idea and remove physical meetups due to privacy and safety concerns. We developed a new feature, which ultimately became the app’s core: completing goals to grow trees in your forest. When users join a group, a seed is planted in their forest. To help the seed grow into a flourishing tree, users contribute toward the group's shared goal.

We explored Māori models of health to determine how best to integrate them into our app. The two main models we focused on were Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four cornerstones of Māori health) and Te Pae Māhutonga (the Southern Cross constellation).

Two main pillars of Te Whare Tapa Whā are Taha Tinana (physical) and Taha Whānau (family and social). We chose to centre our app around supporting these pillars to promote good health and well-being.

As we developed our idea, we found it aligned with another Māori health model, Te Pae Māhutonga, which promotes individual autonomy and collective well-being. Historically used for navigation, Te Pae Māhutonga features four stars representing key health promotion tasks. Our app included three values from this health model: Mauriora (cultural identity), Te Oranga (participation in society), and Toiora (healthy lifestyle).

Before creating a prototype in Figma, we defined the user flow and my group members developed wireframes. This was key to help all group members visualise how the features might interact within the app.

I worked with another group member in creating the app prototype, using the wireframes created by other group members as a guide. Our design process was iterative, where we made incremental improvements based on group feedback and continually reflected on how to best implement the insights from our research into the app.

I developed the colour scheme and visual elements for the high-fidelity prototype, allowing us to test the overall look and feel. It was important that the visual elements were designed thoughtfully to align with our research and cultural factors.

I chose to base the design on shades of green and yellow to create a natural and clean aesthetic that reflects the landscapes of Aotearoa.

Kotahitanga ensures everyone is included regardless of their ability or disability. Accessibility has been a priority in the app. We considered:

Colour
•  Contrast ratios exceeded minimum requirements 

Font size & choice  
•  ≥16pt  
•  Classic fonts  
•  Tohutō (macrons)  
•  Avoid all CAPITALS Navigation  
•  Avoid scrolling, use buttons  
•  Mobile-first approach 

Layout  
•  Spacing  
•  Borders/frames  
•  Consistency User feedback  
•  Clear & concise language

This project enhanced my technical design skills and deepened my cultural understanding and sensitivity. Integrating Mātauranga Māori into our design process resulted in a product that was both functional and meaningful, highlighting the significance of cultural competence in design and the positive impact of respectfully incorporating cultural values.