10050384Exploring the TreCare Concept - Tree-centred interventions underpinned with a human-centred design approach to the development of a new digital service.ClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKIf trees could tell us what they needed, what would they say? Our project seeks to create a digital service that advocates for the health and wellbeing of the trees in our public spaces and private gardens. Our existing TreMap platform allows people to share, develop and gain knowledge about trees. They can geo-locate, map and position a tree at its exact location, developing a unique database that identifies the trees within communities or land areas. We designed our concept to engage people, making them aware of the natural history and tree specimens around them. Currently, our innovative MVP platform utilises GPS and Earth Observation data, with support from Aerospace Cornwall and Agritech Cornwall helping us to reach this stage. But our ambition goes further- of course we want to make our app engaging for people, but we want to balance this with a planet-centred (or tree centred) design approach and consider how we can optimise our functionality for the benefit of trees, considering their preservation, protection and health. Ultimately, we plan to use our proactive labelling and positioning system to create a global database of trees. We plan to start with a planet-focussed (or tree centred design) approach and engage an advisory team of tree advocates and specialists at one end and consider the issues faced by landowners, councils and those responsible for public green spaces at the other. Then, using design thinking principles, we will prototype solutions that bridge this gap, working on intuitive and impactful ways to do what's best for the trees and what's best for the people in the organisations who have responsibilities for them.