Green Computing Tree

Green Computing Tree is a speculative design concept that explores how we can create more sustainable digital behaviors through visual feedback and interaction.

The project was born from a curiosity: How can we make invisible energy consumption visible and personally meaningful?

The result is an interactive tree metaphor that responds to users' digital habits. When users make energy-conscious choices - like reducing streaming, turning off idle devices, or minimizing cloud storage - the tree thrives and grows.

When unsustainable behaviors occur, the tree reflects this through withering branches or a duller appearance.

A 3D printer with a partially printed object in the shape of a small animal, likely a dog, on the printing bed.
Two 3D-printed tree-shaped objects with textured surfaces on a gray background.

The project’s goal was to translate complex and invisible data (such as carbon footprints from digital behaviour) into a simple, relatable visual system.

By designing a tree that grows or decays based on behaviour, we aimed to create a quiet but persistent emotional bond between users and their digital impact.

  • Sketches of web page layouts and user interface designs on paper, with colored pens and markers on a white desk.

    Brainstorming session.

  • 3D printer with a glass object being printed on the build platform.

    3D printing of prototype 1

  • A hand holding a clear, cutout acrylic piece with a white background and shadows cast on the surface below.

    Prototype 2

  • A green and clear wax mold in the shape of a tree on a white surface.

    Prototype 2

  • A transparent glass food tray with a textured surface and jagged edges, placed on a wooden surface.

    Prototype 3

  • 3D printer printing a heart-shaped design with a grid pattern on the print bed.

    3D printing of prototype 4

  • 3D-printed white tree-shaped object with a broad rounded top and a narrow trunk, placed on a black surface in a room with some plants and shelves in the background.

    Prototype 4

  • A simple drawing of a tree with a black outline, green foliage, and a green trunk on a white background.

    Animation showcasing idea

I contributed to the conceptual development, designed the visual interface, and helped define the interaction logic.

The design choices - soft animations, natural colors, and minimal UI - were all focused on slowing down the interaction and giving the user space to reflect rather than react.

Unlike typical data dashboards or sustainability apps that rely on metrics and progress bars, Green Computing Tree works as a slow interface.

A sign attached to a fallen tree in a forest promoting green computing and sustainability, featuring an illustration of a computer and trees, with lush green trees in the background.
Open laptop on a wooden shelf with a natural wood wall background, displaying a tree planting registration window on the screen.

It builds emotional awareness over time instead of pushing for quick changes. The project encourages users to care—not because they’re told to, but because they see something meaningful react to their behavior.

This concept highlights how speculative and emotional design can play a role in sustainability. It’s not just about information—it’s about designing for care.

This project gave me the opportunity to explore how emotional and visual design can be used to communicate sustainability in subtle, human-centered ways. It strengthened my ability to work conceptually, think systemically, and design with both empathy and impact in mind.