TL;DR

The problem

How might we encourage more and correct recycling on campus?

Our solution

We went through the user centered design process with a focus on elements of play to create an environmental experience. Embracing a gamified experience, we created an arcade machine with a simple question and poll results. In order to use our product, the user recycles their can or bottle, and scores bonus points by emptying their drinks in a separate location. With arcade-styled audio and visual feedback, we created a delightful experience users would excitedly use to vote for their side.

Understanding how trash works at GT

We conducted observation sessions across heavily used areas like the GT Student Center and Library to understand how recycling is done and what are the reasons that prevents people from recycling correctly.

What did we learn

We noticed that while trashcans will fill up quickly, recycling stations rarely fill at all. We also noticed students rarely diverging from the expected traffic flow the building lends itself to.

• Most trash trash cans on campus appear to be purposefully placed in the most accessible locations to reduce waste and ensure smooth traffic flow.
• These less convenient locations places an increased cognitive and physical burden on students (who already are generally working under a high cognitive workload and schedule) to correctly recycle, especially during the busier times of days.
• While these trashcan placements to lessen congestion in traffic areas, it does not allow for recycling stations to placed in accessible locations as well due to spacing issues.

People won't put in extra effort to get rid of their trash - They just go to the closest trashcan and dump the trash without looking.

Mixed trashcans were placed in more accessible locations as they take less space and improve efficiency in busy areas. It won't work to replace all of them with recycle bins.

Who are we designing for ?

We created two personas based on the insights to help us resonate empathy with the users' goals, needs, motivations, and lifestyles.

Brainstorming

After we analyzed why mixed trashcans fill faster than recycle bins, we started brainstorming ideas for how can we motivate users use the recycle bins. We were able to identify several themes our design should use to help solve user needs while still maintaining scope.

Educate and notify users of recycling status

Create a motivational element a user will remember

Engage people with interactions while recycling

Gamify the experience which will increase motivation

Easy to see and interact with without any additional learning to use.

Initial Concept

Then we started to construct the concept of an interactive recycle bin, which took the two key motivating elements: "gaming" and "voting".
Embracing humor and the college student's need for non distracting play, we believed students voting for their opinions might be motivating enough to engage.

Concept Validation

In order to quickly test our call to action, we placed cardboard boxes around several campus locations. We purposely provided little instructions in order to test what users would do on their own instincts. Over a weekend, a low traffic time period, we received a surprisingly large number of responses and methods of voting.

How will the experience be ?

We created an experience map to break down the entire process of interacting with the recycling station.

The final concept

System Diagram

Audio Interaction Design

I created the audio interaction with positive reinforcement concept. No matter what material they throw in the plastic or aluminium chutes, arcadia will play the audio of the intended material that is supposed to be thrown inside that chute. It will be followed by the decision audio, correct or incorrect.
To go with the arcade machine theme, I choose the 8 bit retro video game sound effects to add delight to the expeirence.