appletree

Where returns fall into place—appletree—a return advisory to maximize your return amount and minimize your impact on the environment.

Comment

Inspiration

In today's fast-paced world, online shopping has become a norm, but returning products remains a hassle. Many consumers struggle to find the most efficient and sustainable return options. Our inspiration for AppleTree came from the need to optimize and simplify this process while promoting sustainability.

What it does

AppleTree is a mobile application designed to provide return advisory services. Users input product information, and the application sorts through potential return streams. Each return stream is evaluated based on two key factors: sustainability (distance from the user) and return amount. The app highlights two optimal choices: one prioritizing sustainability and the other maximizing the return amount. The user can then proceed with their preferred option outside of the application.

To encourage sustainability, the app features an apple tree that grows each time a user selects the sustainable return option. After five sustainable returns (five growth stages), the tree matures, and the user earns a $10 cash-back reward.

How we built it

We began by brainstorming ideas and landed on the concept of AppleTree. Initially, we sketched the app design on paper before transitioning to a formal prototype in Figma. As none of us had prior experience with Figma, we learned its basics and iteratively improved our design.

Once the design was complete, we moved on to backend development. Since Google Gemini AI powers the application's decision-making process, we primarily used Python for development, leveraging its AI capabilities to optimize return recommendations.

Challenges we ran into

Our biggest challenge was our lack of experience. As first-year university students, we had limited coding knowledge and minimal experience in app development. Learning the development process from scratch and mastering Figma were significant hurdles. Additionally, integrating the frontend and backend posed difficulties, requiring us to problem-solve and research extensively.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Despite our challenges, we are incredibly proud of our team and what we have achieved with AppleTree. Overcoming our initial lack of experience, we successfully developed a functional mobile app in less than a week. The ability to design, code, and integrate AI into our application within such a short timeframe is a significant accomplishment.

What we learned

Throughout this project, we learned to use various development platforms, including Figma and Python, and explored their functionalities. We gained hands-on experience in UI/UX design, AI implementation, and backend development. Most importantly, we learned the value of teamwork, perseverance, and continuous learning.

What's next for AppleTree

Looking ahead, we plan to enhance AppleTree with more advanced AI capabilities for better return recommendations. Future updates will include:

Integration with major e-commerce platforms to streamline the return process.

A more interactive and visually engaging tree growth system to encourage sustainability.

Additional reward options for users who consistently choose sustainable returns.

Improved UI/UX based on user feedback.

Our ultimate goal is to make AppleTree a widely adopted solution for hassle-free and eco-friendly online returns.

Share this project:

Updates