RecyclePDX: Recycling Guide
An app to help users sort and dispose of their recyclables
PROJECT DETAILS:
Solo design sprint done in 2022 with iterations made in 2023. Tools include Figma and ChatGPT.
PROBLEM
People are unsure of correct practice around recycling, leading to reduced participation and engagement in recycling efforts.
Portland is one of the most eco-conscious cities in America, but residents still struggle to properly dispose of their recycleables, partly due to the lack of convenient and helpful information about recycling options.
SOLUTION
An all in one resource for accurate recycling information.
RecylePDX is a resource to help residents navigate the city’s recycling infrastructure by providing clear, accurate information in a mobile app, plus a platform to collaborate with neighbors to increase recycling engagement in their community.
DAY 1:IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM
Developing an understanding of the problem
Portland residents are highly motivated to recycle but find the city’s recycling program and infrastructure to be difficult to navigate, ultimately leading to lower levels of engagement and a lower recycling recovery rate.
DAY 2: GATHERING USER RESEARCH
“My biggest impediment to recycling is knowing where things go.”
-Dominique, user interview
Residents need a simple and concise resource to help them minimize the amount of waste that is thrown away and fully take advantage of Portland's recycling infrastructure.
DAY 3: BRAINSTORMING SOLUTIONS
Quick, accurate information is key
Using the Crazy 8 method I was able to come up with a handful of ideas that would potentially satisfied the users’ needs. The most important part was making the information as easy to locate as possible for the user.
DAY 4: SKETCHING WIREFRAMES
Sketching for successful flows and conception
Before I began designing in Figma, I sketched flows around the features I had come up with during my brainstorm.
DAY 5: TESTING AND MAKING IMPROVEMENTS
Once my prototype was nearing completion I gathered feedback as to to how the design could be improved. The changes made are as follows:
Allow the user to pick from general categories on the homepage.
Simplify the UI to focus on the user’s goal.
Include a bottom navigation bar to help the user get from one place to another quicker.
Final Prototype
Lessons learned + What I’d do differently next time
Work smarter, not harder. Especially when time is limited, like it is during a design sprint, it’s important to make sure I’m creating features that can be updated easily as I make improvements.
Be flexible. As it became apparent that some of my design decisions simply weren’t working, I had to change direction and come up with a new solution quickly.
