Our challenge was to take the lentils ‘Ute Guide’ – a printed guide that growers kept in their ute – and develop a mobile resource so growers could conveniently access information to grow healthy crops. We extended the guide beyond the boundaries of a print publication, incorporating interactive guides and advice.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) supports Australian grain growers in global markets through enhancing profitability and sustainability. One of their targeted activities is to encourage Australian farmers to grow more lentils, marketed through mobile technology.
The challenge
Tailored to growers
Developing the mobile app required careful consideration of the audience’s needs, which we surfaced through stakeholder interviews. We understand that growers don't have reliable internet access on the farm, but they still need access to up-to-date content and high-resolution images. We created a solution with that in mind, which updates only when connected to wifi internet.
Project highlights
We created an interactive, mobile that supports grain growers out in the field.
The guide in your pocket
The mobile app features recognition of symptoms in crop types, identification of insects, and education about best practice in growing and marketing crops. Providing the information when and where grain growers need it, means they’re empowered to source information themselves. The app provides a first point of call for all crop management issues.
Direct comparisons for better advice
The app’s 'compare a photo' feature allows people to take a photo of a crop issue, and directly compare it with the guide’s directory. This enables more accurate identification of issues so that growers can take appropriate measures to keep their crops healthy.
Powerful content management
Our solution involved creating a mobile website as well as native apps for iPhone, Android and iPad. An easy-to-use content management system enables GRDC staff to manage all outputs at once, and ensure consistency across all.
Fostering a healthy grain industry
The mobile app instantly links growers with guidance to grow healthy lentil crops, and quickly and easily identify issues and best practices. It connects them to vital information through an easy-to-use mobile app that’s always available out in the field.