An application to support visits to the Botanical Garden of the Federal University of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

from interdisciplinary design to public release

Abstract

Botanical gardens are essential spaces for biodiversity conservation, environmental education, research and leisure, serving diverse audiences. In these essentially extension-oriented spaces, technology can contribute to enhancing the visitor experience. This article presents the process and development of an original application designed to support visits to the Botanical Garden of the Federal University of Santa Maria, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The application was conceived through an interdisciplinary collaboration between the fields of Design and Computing, involving the undergraduate program in Industrial Design and the undergraduate programs in Computer Science and Information Systems. The initiative articulated activities related to interface design and software development, with the participation of students, faculty, and technical-administrative staff. The adopted methodology integrated methods from the involved areas, combining approaches and resulting in a cohesive and functional product. The application underwent testing cycles and was subsequently made available to the public. The results highlight the institutional recognition of the initiative as a step forward in the support offered to Botanical Garden visitors, while also contributing to the innovative and transformative education of the team involved.