Inspiration
With the surge of plastic straws and cups piling up globally, we saw an urgent need to address this issue beyond just raising awareness. It became clear that people needed not only knowledge but also a strong, immediate community and tangible rewards to make eco-friendly choices. For us, that meant creating Sipwise—a mobile social media app that fosters sustainable habits through community-driven challenges, events, and incentives.
What it does
"Sipwise empowers users to accept personalized eco-conscious challenges—like recycling bottles or using reusable cups—by swiping right. Completing challenges earns users points, redeemable for rewards like coupons, gift cards, or exclusive badges. Users can join communities, track their impact, and see how small actions add up to big change."
How we built it
"We built this app entirely in Figma using the Design Thinking Process to bring it to life. We identified the core problem through user interviews and brainstorming, then sketched initial wireframes on paper to outline our structure. Once confident in the layout, we digitized the wireframe to ensure a smooth translation to screen, and finally, we created an interactive prototype, refining details for the best user experience."
Challenges we ran into
We faced two main challenges: time constraints and overcomplicating our app design. Although 24 hours sounds sufficient, it was barely enough to nail down the essentials. We had to simplify ideas and make tough cuts, all while managing the stress of staying on schedule. The constant pressure to focus and streamline really tested our endurance and creativity beyond our limits.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Our two proudest accomplishments were crafting an original design for our app—including color, typography, and layout—and prototyping a user-friendly workflow. These weren't accomplishments just because of time spent; they were goals we set out to conquer from the very beginning. Knowing UI/UX design demands thoughtful planning, especially under tight deadlines, we were not sure what to expect going into this or how much we could get down. Nonetheless, although we feared we’d rely on pre-made templates, the constraints motivated us, pushing us to create a unique style and workflow we’re truly proud of."
What we learned
From conducting effective user research and summarizing insights to mastering clean mobile design and minimizing clutter, this experience gave us an intensive crash course in UI/UX design and research. Each challenge felt like intense pressure, shaping us into something stronger. Even foundational skills like communication proved invaluable under the tight constraints.
What's next for SipWise
The next steps for SipWise involve rebuilding with additional features that elevate it beyond a basic eco-friendly challenge app. Enhancements like profile customization, reward pages, animations, and content-sharing will transform SipWise into a dynamic social platform with a real impact on environmental habits. Streamlined interfaces and features like photo sharing are just the start of what’s in store for SipWise’s future.
Built With
- figma

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