The Challenge
The original Bee Kind tool, developed in 2011, had become outdated and limited in functionality. It needed a complete redesign and build to better engage users, simplify navigation, and deliver a more educational and interactive experience.
The Trust required an updated tool that would allow people to easily score their gardens, access clear planting recommendations, and share their results on social media - encouraging wider awareness and action. The tool also needed an intuitive back-end system for the Trust’s team to manage content and updates efficiently.
What We Did
Tool Design and Functionality
We redesigned the Bee Kind tool with user experience at its heart. The new interface allows users to filter and select from a wide range of flowers and plants already in their garden, generating a clear, shareable score that reflects how bee-friendly their space is.
Each score comes with a full breakdown and recommendations to help people improve their garden’s score and better support bumblebees. Advanced filters make finding specific plants quick and simple, while informative pages explain when plants bloom, what suits different gardens, and details about existing plants based on users’ input.
Additional features include the ability to save a list of favourite plants, create scores for multiple gardens, and easily switch between them. Automated systems ensure that scores update in real time without the need for manual refreshing, and social sharing encourages users to spread the word and inspire others.
Bespoke Content Management System
A custom-built CMS gives the Trust’s administrators complete control over site content. They can quickly find, edit, and update plants using advanced search filters. The site’s MailChimp newsletter integration helps keep followers informed and engaged.
All content and images can be easily updated, saving valuable time for the Trust’s team. The clear, attractive layout reflects the charity’s branding and includes helpful features such as alphabetical listings, search functions, and user-friendly filters. If users can’t find a particular plant, they can submit suggestions to the Trust for future updates.
The Result
The redesigned Bee Kind tool has significantly improved engagement, attracting increased visitor numbers and encouraging repeat use. Users can now easily discover how bee-friendly their gardens are, get tailored advice, and share their scores to inspire wider conservation action.
The tool now features over 650 flowers and plants, each with accompanying images and fact files - an ever-growing database that keeps the resource relevant and valuable.
The icing on the cake was when the new tool was shortlisted for the Prolific North Tech For Good award – and then won!
"We were impressed with Hydra Creative from the moment we met them to discuss the project, right through to completion and launch of our web application. The whole team were friendly, professional, highly-skilled and focused on doing their best for us. We received great quality customer care, a fantastic web application and real value for money. We would definitely consider working with Hydra Creative in the future and would recommend their services to other organisations." - Darryl Cox, Bumblebee Conversation Trust
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Awards & Accreditations
Recognition
