iPhone users can now turn outdoor walks into a scavenger hunt with Flormie, a flower identification app that gamifies the process of botany [1, 2].
By transforming a scientific activity into a game, the app aims to increase engagement with nature. This approach targets users who enjoy the addictive nature of digital collections, bridging the gap between mobile gaming and outdoor exploration.
The app functions by encouraging users to scan and save flowers they encounter during their daily activities [1, 2]. This mechanism creates a "collection loop" similar to Pokémon Go, where the drive to complete a set motivates the user to explore more of their environment [1].
While Flormie focuses on the gamified experience, other tools in the market offer different value propositions. For example, the Plantum app provides an alternative for those seeking to expand their botanical knowledge [2]. Plantum is currently available with a lifetime subscription price of $14.97 [2], a significant reduction from its original MSRP of $59.99 [2].
Flormie's strategy relies on the psychological reward of discovery. By treating every walk as an opportunity to find a new species, the app encourages users to pay closer attention to local flora [1]. This shift from passive walking to active searching is designed to make plant identification more rewarding [1, 2].
The integration of AI-powered identification allows users to receive immediate feedback on the species they find [2]. This instant gratification is a key component of the collection loop, ensuring that users remain engaged with the app as they move through various outdoor environments [1].
“creating a 'collection loop' similar to Pokémon Go.”
The rise of gamified identification tools like Flormie represents a broader trend in 'citizen science,' where consumer technology is used to encourage public interaction with the natural world. By applying the dopamine-driven mechanics of mobile gaming to botany, developers are attempting to lower the barrier to entry for environmental education.
