Redesigning a Carbon Calculator for material emissions
STiCH by FAIC | 2024 | 4 months
TEAM
1 Project Manager, 4 Researchers, 1 Developer, 1 Product Designer (me)
MY ROLE
UI Design | UX Design | UX Research | Information Architecture | User Flow Mapping | Design strategy | Mockups and Prototyping​​
TOOLS
Figma | FigJam | Adobe Illustrator | Miro
Overview
The Challenge
The cultural heritage sector was beginning to recognize its climate responsibilities, but lacked accessible tools to measure impact. FAIC had built the STICH Carbon Calculator with rigorous Life Cycle Assessment data for 1,100+ materials, but it was essentially a digital spreadsheet. User testing revealed a critical problem: conservators couldn't navigate it, didn't understand the results, and weren't using it to compare alternatives. That was literally the tool's entire purpose.
User testing revealed only 23% could complete basic tasks. The problem wasn't just the data, it was everything.
I redesigned the calculator from a data entry form into a decision-making tool adding scenarios, visualizations, contextual information and an educational ecosystem.
The Opportunity
FAIC brought me on in September 2024 to redesign the calculator based on research findings, transforming a technically sophisticated tool into an interface that would drive sustainable material choices in conservation practice.
23% 100%
User adoption after redesign
The redesigned calculator achieved 100% task completion, validating that accessibility and clear communication are essential for driving sustainable material choices.
Understanding the Problem
The research team had already identified the barriers through user testing. Users questioned whether material choices even mattered for climate. They got lost in complex categories. They couldn't interpret CO2eq numbers. I analyzed these findings to understand exactly where and why users were failing.​​​
What users were experiencing
"I searched over 5 times before I gave up."
"It says smewhere that I can compare materials, but I don't see where?"
"I don't know if there is actual significant impact."
"I see numbers but I don't know what they mean - how do I use this information?"
The Core Issues
Through analysis of the existing tool and user research findings, I identified three core problems that shaped my design approach.
1
Material Discoverability Crisis
WHAT I FOUND
Users couldn't find materials because categories used technical taxonomy instead of how conservators actually think and search. Terms like "Adhesives and Consolidants" combined unrelated materials
INSIGHT
Information architecture needs to match mental models, not backend structure.
2
Numbers without meaning
WHAT I FOUND
Results displayed raw CO2 emissions values with no context. Users couldn't tell if the numbers were good or bad, couldn't relate them to their work, and had no reference point for normal impact.
INSIGHT
Data visualization alone isn't enough. Context and real-world references give meaning to these numbers.
3
Invisible comparison feature
WHAT I FOUND
The tools main purpose was comparing materials and finding alternatives, but users couldn't compare different sets of materials, and had to do the math themselves.
INSIGHT
Core functionality can't be optional. Comparison needed to be default experience, not a feature to discover.
I redesigned the calculator
I redesigned the calculator from a single-list data form into a multi-scenario comparison platform with search, visualizations, and contextual information. Beyond the interface, I designed three educational guides to help users understand, interpret and implement sustainable choices.
The Transformation
I restructured the information architecture from the ground up, adding multiple entry points - browse categories and select items from a smaller pool, or search the item by name. Created visual hierarchy for quick scanning.
Before
Single list only
Complex dropdown and navigation
Too much fluff, tool is buried
Only one chart type
Input field pushed to the bottom
After
Simple and intuitive material selection
3 types of visualization
Real world context and equivalents
Collapsible directions
Multiple scenarios for comparison
Transportation calculator
I identified the key features
Scenario based comparison
User can compare upto 6 different scenarios with different combinations of materials simultaneously, and automatically get visualized charts.
Search and Categories
Comprehensive categories and autocomplete search feature make it easier for users to find their item.
Three visualization charts
User can choose their prefered level and type of comparison
Real world context
An understanding your results section where the user can find real world context of what the number means.
Transport and shipping impact
The total impact from using a particular material also includes its shipping and transportation emissions. Users can add any number of shipping methods to calculate estimated impact.
Item management
Users can edit, copy, and remove items from any scenario, giving more flexibility and room for error.
Export results
Users can export and download their results and graphs in multiple formats, making the tool perfect for presentations, administrative paperworks, etc.
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We recognized that users would need supporting materials to understand WHY carbon footprint matters, HOW to use the tool and interpret results, and WHAT to do with the information. I designed three guides that work as an integrated ecosystem, both for digital and print use.
Impact & Results
Since the goal of the tool is to empower professionals to make informed choices, it was extremely important to reduce as much friction as possible, and make sure that each bottleneck is cleared with the simplest solution. The redesigned calculator completely transformed how conservation professionals approach sustainable material choices, achieving measurable behavior change. Users didn't just complete tasks, they changed how they think about materials. Participants discovered that materials they assumed were low-impact actually had high carbon footprints.
​Multiple users said:
"I found the tool extremely useful. I work with a lot of materials and chemicals and this tool helped me make more informed choices."
"I can see asking my staff to do this as well when we start new projects."​​