Project overview
What is Recycle?
Recycle is an application driven by community involvement, designed to support individuals who are increasingly concerned about sustainability but may lack clarity on how to take action. It also assists those who are already aware of proper waste management practices but seek to understand the impact of their efforts on society.
Note: This project was conducted solely through research within Indiana and its populace.
My Role
Product design, Research and Prototyping
Timeline
3 Months
Team Members
4 HCI Students
Tools
Figma, Figjam
So..what problem am I trying to solve?
Poor waste management
=
Climate change
Limited discussion on recycling practices in the community
Lack of sufficient trash cans at home leading to overflowing waste
Infrequent waste pickup aggravating the situation
Insufficient tools and techniques for managing recyclables
Exacerbated environmental issues due to poor waste management practices
Problem statement
How might I develop an app to educate and support users who are concerned about climate change?
Why is this problem important?
The state of Indiana, specifically the city of Indianapolis, is on an unfavorable trend of becoming one of the most wasteful places in America with only 19% recycled.
01
There’s unwillingness by local authorities to set up a reasonable waste management systems due to legacy policy commitments to burn large portions of trash which is only adding to the problem.
02
While people are starting to increasingly value the societal and environmental impact of sustainability, due to poor recycling records, it is still considered as a far-fetched amenity.
03
A surprising lack of dissemination on effects of unsustainability, even in this highly connected world, causing citizens to not be equipped with the information and skill to handle the issue.
Brainstorming
After doing 3 brainstorming sessions we came up with three design direction…
To ensure we're heading in the right design direction, we decided to adhere to these metrics.
How urgent/important the solution is?
What will have to most impact on society?
Which directions are we most confident about?
How easy is it to execute?
Following thorough research on all metrics, we opted for design direction 2 as it emerged as the most prominent option, offering a more powerful impact compared to the others.
Whose issue am I addressing?
Since this issue pertains specifically to Indiana, our focus is solely on two types of users...
House owners
Trash collection company's being non-service during the holidays or not coming at the proper scheduled time.
In case of large family, if bin is overflowed from the trash, it will be less likely that worker would pick that up.
No platform to schedule trash pick-up in case of the emergency.
Small business owners
Having to takeout lot of trash within a day, and service’s provided by the government is not cost effective.
No service of recycling dumpster near the business area.
Lack of guidance on adopting proper recycling practices.
User research
We used three different research method to deliver pain points of the user. These research methods guided and helped us to make the prominent design decision.
Research method 1 - Observation
Observation was conducted to gain insights into how users behave, what their preferences are, and what challenges they face in real-world situations, to inform the design and development process. We did our observation in different food places and the outcome can be seen through these pictures.
Few pictures we took from our site visit observation
Recyclables thrown into waste :(
No mention of segregation at Taco Bell
Overflowing of trash bins of home owner
Dumpster area looks filled with trash and looks unhygenic
Research method 2 - Interviews
To gain a comprehensive understanding of this issue, we opted to interview four homeowners and four small business owners. The insights from the interviews aided us in establishing clear objectives and identifying the particular requirements and obstacles encountered by these possible users. Furthermore, we emphasized creative thinking, actively engaged and expanded upon each team member's contributions.
These are the findings we got from interview
Total carbon emissions from Indiana
Recycling compared to nation average
People making lifestyle change for good
People who resposibly disposed
People who have heard of recycle centers
People who say they care about recycling
Nation ranking of most emitters
tCO2e
189.2 M
13% below
52%
13%
25%
100%
8/50
Research method 3 - Affinity mapping & empathy map
After finding logical categorizations for the insights and data we gathered from the interviews and observation, we noted down which points were more frequent ( ie common feedback and repeated request) and which were more unique (ie we heard it only from a couple of candidates if not one). Further, we also designed empathy maps which is a great way to gain insight into the users tacit knowledge and thereby helps depict a more human side of them.
Afffinity Mapping
Empathy Map
Clearly, there is a gap between people’s perceptions of impact and their actions
The research has enabled us to pinpoint four primary user needs and devise strategies for implementing our findings into the most effective application.
High fidility design
Following the identification of solutions to encountered challenges, our efforts pivoted towards the creation of high-fidelity designs and prototypes.
Scheduling pick-up
Users should be able to schedule their trash pick-up at any time of the day, granting them freedom and encouragement.
Scanning object
Scanning an object enables users to discover the appropriate recycling method for it and consider reuse options if needed.
Finding near by recycling Center
If users wish to recycle any recyclable objects, they can conveniently locate the nearest recycling center.
Trash pick-up history
Users have the capability to review their pick-up history, including both past and current schedules, with ability to edit providing them with a sense of control.
Active method of skill development
Utilizing the popular portrait video format to deliver engaging content closely linked with highly valuable practical insights offers an enjoyable method of learning. Additionally, we offer an interactive homepage to motivate and engage users.
User profile
Just adding points, levels, and badges is insufficient. We employ techniques in our program to make users' positive and forceful behaviors feel rewarded. Through smooth animations, an engaging user interface, and an amazing emoji shower.
Usability testing
Our team conducted a Cognitive Walkthrough with 8 users, identifying 3 minor usability issues. Additionally, we administered the System Usability Scale (SUS) and achieved a score of 85, indicating high user satisfaction with the application.
01
The ability to input the custom time and date for scheduling the pickup.
02
Option to clear all input fields at once when scheduling a pick-up for easier user experience.
03
Option to abort the pick-up entirely with a single action if they change their mind.
Takeaway and learning
In the end, we developed a streamlined and user-friendly app that effectively catered to the needs and preferences of our target audience.
What went well
Clear and concise project objectives
Thorough and effective user research and
design
Efficient and iterative prototyping methods
Capability to measure success using both
quantitative data and qualitative user feedback
What I learnt
Emphasis on user-centered design principles
The significance of transparent communication
and collaborative teamwork
Recognition of the value of empathy
and understanding user needs
The importance of integrating user feedback
into the design process
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