My Role
UX Researcher, Designer
OVERVIEW
designer
Elaine Zeng
Tim Clarke
Taylor Deas
Bee Sihsobhon
Our teamwork for CompostNow focused on collaborative research methods, uncovering needs and pain points. Innovative solutions, including tech enhancements and educational campaigns, were proposed. We crafted an implementation strategy with pilot programs and stakeholder engagement. Emphasizing continuous improvement, we committed to monitoring impact through metrics like increased participation and waste reduction. Our goal is to promote environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Design Objectives
The design objective is to improve the food composting service by researching user demands, ensuring a user-centric approach for a more effective and satisfying experience.
problem statement
Based on information from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Willett & Rockström, approximately 30-40% of food is lost or wasted, costing over $149 billion, while also contributing 2.6% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
SOLUTION METHODS
How might we reduce the environmental impacts of wasted food?
RESEARCH ANALYZATIONS
We conducted interviews with eight individuals to gather insights on their current food composting practices and expectations for improving composting services. These interviews aimed to understand the methods individuals employ for composting food waste and to identify their desires for enhancements in composting services.
We used an affinity map to classify the research results.
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH
We have observed that numerous individuals utilizing food composters express dissatisfaction with their current composting methods.
Many users of food composters are dissatisfied with their current composting methods, finding them inconvenient and bothersome.
The perception of food waste being messy deters individuals from composting regularly.
Users expressed frustration with the time-consuming process of composting, which hinders their daily composting habits.
The feeling of dealing with messy food scraps contributes to the reluctance to compost.
There is a clear demand for a composting solution that is easier to use and more effective, addressing both practical and psychological obstacles.
CONCEPT DIVERGENT
1. How might we help new composters feel more confident composting so they can more easily form good composting habits?
2. How might we support new composters to continue composting so that their commitment to composting endures because barriers are reduced and benefits increased?
3. How might we encourage prospective and current composters to get involved with composting and environmental impact campaigns so that they are more inclined to adopt composting habits because they can feel the participation through the activities?
4. How might we help prospective composters understand the values of composting so that they are motivated and inspired to take action because they are aware of the benefits and share similar values?
CONCEPT CONVERGENT
After mapping out our ideas on the impact & and effort matrix, we voted on the best ideas to help narrow our focus.
APP Flow
Our solution focuses on educating users to compost food effectively and conveniently. We provide comprehensive guidance and practical tips to streamline the composting process. Through knowledge empowerment, we aim to foster sustainable waste management practices.
wireframes & functions
Home
Daily Streaks
Pick up Schedules
Home page
Personalized information
Next bin pick-up
Achievement summary
Contribution progress
Grower’s highlight
Daily streaks
Learn more about composting
Expand your knowledge about earth
REFLECTION
Through this project, I've learned the importance of teamwork and the significance of recycling. Collaborating with my peers enhanced my communication and problem-solving skills while studying recycling underscored its crucial role in sustainability. This experience has deepened my commitment to advocating for recycling and environmental stewardship in the future.