Getting Started with EcoDesign
Welcome to EcoDesign! This guide will help you get started with creating your first ecological project and understanding the platform's key features.
Welcome to Sustainable Design!
EcoDesign is your comprehensive platform for creating ecological projects, from small urban gardens to large-scale ecosystem restoration. Our AI-powered tools help you design sustainable solutions based on your specific site conditions and goals.
Quick Start Checklist
5-Minute Setup
- Review Project Preparation: Click the "Project Preparation Guide" button on the home page to understand what data you'll need
- Choose Project Type: Select either "Garden Project" or "Bigger Project" based on your scope
- Set Your Location: Use our interactive map to precisely locate your project site
- Configure Basic Settings: Enter project name, goals, and basic information
- Start AI Research: Use our specialized AI agents to analyze your site and get recommendations
Understanding EcoDesign
Project Types
EcoDesign supports two main project categories:
Garden Projects
Perfect for:
- Urban gardens
- Terrace gardens
- Home gardens
- Community gardens
- Green roofs
Scale: Typically up to 1000 sqm
Bigger Projects
Designed for:
- Ecological farms
- Eco-villages
- Ecosystem restoration
- Sustainable agriculture
- Reforestation projects
Scale: From 1000 sqm to multiple hectares
Key Platform Features
1. AI Research Agents
Our specialized AI agents provide expert analysis for different aspects of your project:
- Soil Research Agent: Soil management and improvement strategies
- TerraScope Agent: Site conditions and vulnerabilities assessment
- Climate-Smart EcoDesign Agent: Climate adaptation strategies
- EcoGarden Insights Agent: Garden design and plant selection
2. Comprehensive Project Settings
Configure your project across 8 detailed sections:
3. Knowledge Base
Access extensive learning resources:
- Video Courses: Structured learning on sustainable design topics
- Digital Handbooks: Comprehensive guides and reference materials
- Research Tools: Advanced research capabilities with AI assistance
Understanding Credits
How Credits Work
EcoDesign uses a credit-based system:
- Project Credits: Required to create new projects (separate for garden and bigger projects)
- AI Credits: Used for AI research and conversations (charged based on AI usage)
- New User Bonus: New users typically receive 200 free AI credits to get started
You can view your current credit balance in the top navigation bar.
Your First Project Steps
Step 1: Prepare Your Information
Before creating your project, gather information about your site:
- Exact location coordinates or address
- Site size and boundaries
- Current land use and conditions
- Climate information (if available)
- Soil type and conditions
- Water sources and drainage
- Existing vegetation
- Project goals and constraints
Tip: Use our Project Preparation Guide for a comprehensive checklist you can copy to Word!
Step 2: Create Your Project
- Go to the Home page
- Click either "Create Garden Project" or "Create Bigger Project"
- Select your project location on the interactive map
- Enter basic project information
- Save your project
Step 3: Configure Project Settings
- Navigate to your project from My Projects
- Click "Project Settings" to access the configuration panel
- Complete each section with your site information
- Don't worry about perfection - you can always update settings later
Step 4: Start AI Research
- From your project page, access the research tools
- Choose the appropriate AI agent for your needs
- Ask questions about your site and design goals
- Review the comprehensive analysis provided
- Continue the conversation to refine recommendations
Tips for Success
Best Practices
- Start Simple: Begin with basic project information and add details over time
- Be Specific: The more specific your site information, the better the AI recommendations
- Ask Follow-up Questions: AI agents can provide deeper insights when you ask for clarification
- Save Important Conversations: Bookmark valuable AI research sessions for future reference
- Update Regularly: Keep your project settings updated as conditions change
Common First-Time Questions
Q: How accurate does my location need to be?
A: The more accurate, the better. Precise location helps our AI agents provide climate data, local regulations information, and region-specific recommendations. You can adjust the location later if needed.
Q: What if I don't have all the soil/climate information?
A: That's perfectly fine! Our AI agents can help you understand what information to gather and even suggest where to find it. You can also use our research tools to gather missing information.
Q: Can I change my project settings later?
A: Yes! Project settings can be updated at any time. As you learn more about your site or your goals change, simply update the relevant sections.
Q: How do I know which AI agent to use?
A: Each AI agent has specific expertise. Start with the TerraScope Agent for general site analysis, then use specialized agents like Soil Research for specific topics. You can always switch between agents.
Next Steps
Create Your First Project
Detailed step-by-step guide to setting up your first project
Learn About AI Agents
Understand how to use our 4 specialized AI research agents
Project Settings Guide
Learn how to configure all 8 project setting sections