ProgramsNYU Wagner Capstone: Social Impact, Innovation & Investment (Fall 25'-Spring 26')ProjectsDesigning a Nature-Focused Mobile App to Foster Human-Nature Connec...

Project Title: Designing a Nature-Focused Mobile App to Foster Human-Nature Connection through Ambient Engagement and User-Generated Content

ReWilding: Lab

Details
Project Title Designing a Nature-Focused Mobile App to Foster Human-Nature Connection through Ambient Engagement and User-Generated Content
Project Topics Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Entrepreneurship Innovation Marketing Product Design & Development Research & Development Research, Analysis, Evaluation Software Design & Development Sustainability & ESG
Skills & Expertise Brand Strategy Content Strategy Emerging Tech Market Research Marketing Strategy Mobile Design Prototyping Qualitative Research Web & Software Product Research
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
Rewilding Lab is exploring the development of a mobile app that deepens users’ connection to the natural world through subtle, ambient interactions and user-generated content. While technology often pulls attention away from nature, this tool aims to invert that relationship—using digital nudges to help users notice, appreciate, and reconnect with their local environments.
This project invites NYU Wagner students to help shape the foundational strategy and design direction for the app, including research on user engagement, potential revenue models, ethical data collection, and alignment with Rewilding Lab’s mission of psychological and ecological healing.
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
  • Conduct comparative analysis of existing nature- and mindfulness-related mobile apps to understand features, engagement models, and gaps.
  • Research the psychological and behavioral impact of ambient, tech-mediated nature engagement.
  • Design a strategic framework and feature set for a nature-focused app that emphasizes human-nature connection, heritage, and sensory awareness.
  • Develop user personas and journey maps tailored to target audiences (e.g. urban residents, Gen Z, educators).
  • Propose a wireframe or storyboard that outlines a minimum viable product (MVP).
  • Evaluate potential revenue models (freemium, partnership/licensing, wellness or educational integrations).
  • Create a go-to-market strategy and roadmap for piloting or prototyping the app.
  • Explore optional integration of cultural/ancestral cues to personalize nature interactions based on user heritage (biophilic resonance).
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
  • Delivery of a concept brief that includes clear user engagement goals, revenue considerations, and ethical design principles.
  • Identification of key differentiators from existing apps.
  • A validated wireframe, mockup, or storyboard of the proposed MVP.
  • Compelling use case examples that support the app's social and ecological value.
  • Strategic recommendations that can be used to pitch the idea to funders, partners, or product development collaborators.
  • Positive feedback from the Rewilding Lab team regarding project alignment with mission and future direction.

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Program Kickoff

 Sep 12 2026 Event

Teams

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