Tree Planting Process
Internal process
Overview
Organization: Newton Tree Conservancy
My role: Service Designer (collaborated with NTC president)
Timeframe: 4 weeks
Summary
Upon joining the Newton Tree Conservancy Board of Directors, I was provided this tree planting spreadsheet timeline.
It was as basic excel spreadsheet but unclear as to when each task was to be completed relative to calendar dates.
After a couple iterations, I created one final visual blueprint that plotted each task and who’s responsibility it was for each task.
Define the Problem
The tree planting spreadsheet timeline was too tactical, a little bit intimidating, and just confusing as to when to take what action.
Common questions I kept hearing from the NEW board members……..
What are the next steps after we receive a tree application?
Who’s responsible (director or neighborhood leader) for which task?
Who digs the tree holes and when?
Ideate
A yearly calendar helps people to organize task and dates.
I thought, let’s plot these various tasks to see where they land on the calendar.
The timing of each task became abundantly more clear.
Prototype
From there I was able to view / evaluate each task more easily.
But I still needed to determine who was responsible for which task. I plotted each item to the front stage, back stage, and who’s responsibility.
Refine
I refined the blueprint layout by condensing the Board of Director’s tasks in the top row and the Homeowner’s tasks in the bottom row.
Follow the dotted line / arrows to see the journey from beginning to end.
Test
I presented this final blueprint map to the board of directors at one of our monthly meetings and was widely received with a positive response!
“Well done!” - Joe Drake, NTC President
“This is incredible, so helpful!” - Amy Emberly, NTC Director
