This project addresses a critical issue: widespread unawareness and a lack of resources, accessibility, and interest in can recycling. The challenge I face is to effectively convey the importance of recycling cans and its positive impact on the environment.
This project addresses a critical issue: widespread unawareness and a lack of resources, accessibility, and interest in can recycling. The challenge I face is to effectively convey the importance of recycling cans and its positive impact on the environment.
“I'd recycle if there were bins closer to where I live or study, but I actually have no idea where they are.”
03/06-23, Maria Svensson,
Student at Umeå University, Sweden
image: Viktoria Leth
“I'd recycle if there were bins closer to where I live or study, but I actually have no idea where they are.”
03/06-23, Maria Svensson,
Student at Umeå University, Sweden
image: Viktoria Leth
“I know recycling is good for the environment, but no one does it around me so I guess I am lazy and throw my cans in the normal bin by routine.”
02/28-23, Erik Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
image: Viktoria Leth
“I know recycling is good for the environment, but no one does it around me so I guess I am lazy and throw my cans in the normal bin by routine.”
02/28-23, Erik Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
image: Viktoria Leth
The process
Let's explore the various stages of the project, from the initial concept to the final outcome.
Empathize
Understand user’s needs through research.
Define
Problem statement based on user insights.
Design
The creation of visual designs, including tests improving
the system.
Campaign
The final design system of the campaign.
Defining the user
The target audience is tech-savvy college students and young adults in urban areas who value sustainability. They prefer convenient recycling solutions that align with their fast-paced lifestyle and are engaged through digital platforms and educational content that highlights easy, actionable recycling steps.
"I'm starting to realize that every can I recycle can make a big difference. It's time for me to take action.”
Name Alice
Age 20
Occupation Student
Status Single
Location San Francisco
Salary 15k
Emma
The Environmentalist
Image
prefers convenient and straightforward recycling methods that fit seamlessly into her busy life as a student. She values solutions that are practical and don't require significant time commitments.
Is frustrated by the lack of easy and accessible recycling options that align with her hectic schedule of balancing studies and social activities.
Aims to incorporate more recycling and sustainable practices into her daily routine. She's motivated to make a real difference in the environment through her actions.
aims to incorporate more recycling and sustainable practices into her daily routine. She's motivated to make a real difference in the environment through her actions.
is frustrated by the lack of easy and accessible recycling options that align with her hectic schedule of balancing studies and social activities.
Key areas to understand
Why should young recycle?
Where can they recycle?
What are some current tools young adults are using to recycle?
What are the main problems young adults are facing today that prevent them from recycling?
Why should we recycle cans?
95%
Of recycled cans turn into new cans.
92%
Of the material is used for new materials.
100%
Metal can be recycled.
Why don’t we recycle cans?
70% of participants uses aluminum cans daily, but only 50% recycle them. The top 5 reasons for not recycling are:
If friends or roommates don't recycle, I don’t either.
Absence of easily accessible recycling bins
Throws everything into the same bin out of routine.
Not knowing where or how to recycle.
Busy schedules favor convenience over sustainability.
Research and pain points
Most people are aware that the lack of recycling is a huge problem in our society, considering the environmental impact and the potential for resource conservation. However, we don’t do it. Why?
Study conducted: Spring 2023, 20 participants
Study conducted: Spring 2023, 20 participants
Convenience
Participants need more easily accessible recycling bins.
Bad routines
Participants need a tool that helps them to change their bad routines.
Recycling uncertainty
Participants need a tool that can educate them on how and why to recycle.
Bad influence
Participants need to influence one another to have more sustainable behaviors.
medium fidelity wireframes
Usability testing
Before adding style to the design, I conducted a paper prototype testing to get early feedback from users.
Image
Before adding style to the design, I conducted a paper prototype testing to get early feedback from users.
Image
The search bar is hard to reach, so to save time it should be more easily accessible.”
03/16-23, Johanna Leth,
Biochemistry student, University of Lund
Component Library
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
1234567890-=!@#$%^&*()_+
The colors represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and ease.
The logo represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and balance.
The icons represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
The typography represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
The logo includes the well recognized recycling arrow symbol, but has a special leaf-design to make it more unique.
The typography represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
The colors represents what my brand is all about - simplicity, positivity and optimism.
The icons represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
1234567890-=!@#$%^&*()_+
Takeaways
When I made YouCan, I knew that convenience is key. A simple and clean design helps users use the app easily and quickly. Clear visuals are also important because they help users save time by presenting financial information in a clear way. By providing users with easy accessible recycling maps, and a clear learning system, YouCan educate users how effortlessly you can get involved in our can recycling community.
Next project
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