Recycle ATL is a mobile application designed to locate recycling drop-off locations and offers educational articles on environmental issues
Summary
Recycle ATL is what we call a passion project. It comes out of my need to know where I can specifically recycle glass, since the city of Atlanta no longer recycles glass. Not only that, but also for users living in locations that do not offer curbside recycling.
Process
This project was a 2 week sprint. The first week dedicated to research and synthesis, and the second week focused on ideating, wireframes, usability testing, iterating, and prototyping and final mockups
The Process
Research
Synthesis & Ideation
Wireframe & Testing
Iteration & Prototyping
Research
Survey:
I conducted a survey to gauge interest in environmental and animal rights issues
Based on the results, I proceeded with an environmental issue project for a mobile device
Survey Findings:
There is a strong interest from 95% (20 surveyed) who are concerned with environmental issues
For the 45% who said “sometimes”, 60% reported it wasn’t available, 30% stated it was an inconvenience
To find out more about environmental issues, 70% were interested in using their mobile device
Competitive Analysis:
I proceeded with a competitive audit of similar mobile applications
A few apps available, but with limited features
Recycle Nation is the most equipped, with features including :
- Drop off locations
- Education, tips, and facts
- Tracts positive environmental impact of the recycled item
- Creative “up-cycling” ideas for arts and crafts
Negatives of the many features is that it feels overwhelming just looking at it
Recycle Right is another great app with similar features, only available in Australia
Interviews:
I conducted interviews with 6 participants of various backgrounds who did and did not recycle on a regular basis, not targeted to a specific audience; 4 participants recycled, 2 did not
Affinity Mapping & Synthesis
Reasons for not recycling include:
- Inconvenient
- Doesn’t know where to recycle
- Doesn’t think about it
Reasons for recycling include:
- Good for the environment
- Keeps trash out of landfills
- They feel it’s their responsibility
- It’s part of their everyday life
- Believes in saving the planet
From the findings from synthesis, I came up with our persona, with his pain points and needs
Persona:
- Max Hartwell
- 35 years old
- IT Support
- Lives near The Battery
Max is an avid runner who has just started learning about the importance of recycling, but his apartment complex doesn’t offer curbside recycling.
He’s frustrated with the lack of information on what is recyclable and where to take them. He feels guilty that he still chooses Bud Lite in the bottle, even though he now knows glass is not recyclable in ATL
Goals:
- Know more about recycling
- Find out where to take glass
- Make recycling a habit
Pain Points:
- Lack of information
- Doesn’t know where to take recycles
- Doesn’t know how to properly prepare recyclables
Problem Statement:
Users need a way to find out where they can drop off recyclables and make recycling a habit, so they can address the serious issue of waste and reduce their carbon footprint.
Solution/Hypothesis
We believe by building a mobile app that lets users know where to drop off recyclables, users will become more informed and recycle on a daily basis. We will know this to be true, when users use the app to locate drop off locations.
Product Key Features
- Drop-off locator- search by zip code or specific item
- Education- learn about recycling best practices
- Daily Tips- with option for push notification
Wireframes
Usability Testing
During testing, users had issues with specific wording, maps, pop-up windows, and specific pages
Final Mockups
Next Steps
- Conduct more usability tests with target users
- Check-In to drop-off locations for points
- Recycle pick up like UBER for recycling