Tools used
Sketch Book
Photoshop
Illustrator
Notion
Figma
Role
Product Design
User Research
Facilitation
Product Strategy
Timeline
5 Months
PROJECT OVERVIEW
What is Renewit?
Renewit is a recycling app that aims to make recycling easier, more convenient, and more accessible to individuals and communities. The product allows users to track their recycling efforts, learn more about sustainable practices, and connect with other like-minded individuals to help create a cleaner, healthier environment and has well has earning rewards for their recycling activities.
Problem
Low recycling rates and inefficient waste management practices are major environmental concerns. A recycling app can increase accessibility, convenience, and information for users to improve recycling habits and find recycling facilities.
Goals
To create a more sustainable future. By making recycling accessible and convenient through technology.
we can encourage users to adopt eco-friendly behaviours and reduce waste.
USER RESEARCH
Target Audience
Recycling in Africa has been a growing industry over the past few decades, as more countries on the continent have begun to prioritise waste management and environmental sustainability. However, the recycling industry in Africa is still facing a number of challenges, including limited infrastructure, insufficient government support, and low public awareness.
User Interviews
After identifying my target audience I began to speak to my potential users to get insights in terms of their pain point and goals and needs.
Surveys
I also gathers some quantitative data from survey and community post such has twitter now X, Reddit and facebook.
Design for Empathy
From the insight gathered from my potential users I worked on personas, user journeys, story boards and user flows. In order for me empathise with the users and make design decisions that are tailored to their needs.
WIREFRAME
Solution
I created a solution that includes features such as smart bins, DIY tutorials, contacting recycling trucks, and rewards.
Additionally, the product’s feature of contacting recycling trucks will provide a convenient and efficient way for users to dispose of their recyclables, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Exploration
In the Exploration phase of RenewIt, I transformed insights from user research into visual concepts. This section presents initial sketches that guided the app's development, focusing on creating a user-friendly interface for easy recycling. These early designs were crucial in shaping RenewIt into an effective tool for promoting sustainable habits.
Informative Interface: Keeping Users Updated on Environmental News
To keep users informed about the latest environmental updates and sustainability tips.
By integrating real-time news feeds, Renewit ensures that users are constantly aware of relevant ecological developments, thereby fostering a more informed and engaged community. This feature solves the problem of information accessibility, making it easier for users to stay up-to-date with critical environmental issues directly within the product.
Gamification and progress tracking
To monitor recycling using an AM system, RFID tags can be affixed to each bin. The system records emptying details such as date, time, location, and recycling material weight. This data enables tracking of collected recycling, leading to rewards like discounts and coupon codes. The system also generates a dashboard displaying savings from recycling, earnings, and the most recycled item.
DIY Learning: Transforming Waste into Value
To empowers users to creatively repurpose waste materials into useful household items. This feature offers step-by-step tutorials on turning common waste, like used electric bulbs, into innovative and practical creations.
By teaching users how to upcycle, RenewIt not only promotes sustainability but also encourages a hands-on approach to waste reduction. This aims to inspire creativity while addressing the problem of waste management, making recycling an engaging and rewarding experience.
Smart Bin: Scan and Recycle with AI Assistance
Utilising advanced AI technology, the app provides instant feedback on whether an item can be recycled.
Additionally, the AI assistant offers personalised tutorials on how to properly recycle or repurpose the item, ensuring users have the knowledge to dispose of waste responsibly. This addresses the challenge of recycling ambiguity, making it easier and more efficient for users to contribute to environmental sustainability.
Style Guidelines, Components and Brand
I created a style guide to establish a consistent visual language and set of guidelines for the brand or app, which can be applied across all digital and physical touch points of Renewit. My style guide would ensures that all design elements, such as colours, typography, icons, and layout, are cohesive and work together to create a unified and recognisable brand identity.
EVALUATION
User testing and Iteration
I conducted some user testing with 5 different users using the think aloud method to evaluate the quality of their experience.
Takeaway
AI and Machine learning: With advancements in AI and machine learning, Renewit could leverage this technology to provide personalised recommendations and improve sorting accuracy.
Community engagement: Renewit could facilitate community engagement by allowing users to connect with others in their area to organize clean-up events, share recycling tips, and collaborate on sustainability initiatives.
Community engagement: Renewit could facilitate community engagement by allowing users to connect with others in their area to organize clean-up events, share recycling tips, and collaborate on sustainability initiatives.
Beyond the design the curiosity to know how to track the recycling journey of different users without stress and providing record of their recycling progress on the product helped me to understand the use of Radio Frequency Identification tag which supported my idea for the smart bin.
