DETOX - A Waste Management App
- "Simplify Waste Disposal with Detox: Order Waste Pickup Anytime, Anywhere."
Many communities worldwide face significant challenges in managing waste effectively. The existing waste management systems often lack efficiency, transparency, and user engagement, resulting in various issues such as improper waste disposal, increased pollution, and a lack of awareness among residents. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive waste management app that addresses these issues and revolutionizes the way waste is handled.
Key Problems to Address:
Lack of proper waste disposal: The current waste management systems often fail to provide clear guidelines and instructions on proper waste disposal methods. As a result, residents may unknowingly dispose of waste inappropriately, leading to environmental degradation and health hazards.
Limited user engagement: Residents typically lack motivation and engagement in waste management practices due to a lack of awareness and incentives. There is a need for an app that encourages and rewards users for their active participation in waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal.
Inefficient waste collection and recycling: The current waste collection processes often lack optimization, resulting in irregular or inefficient waste pickups. Additionally, recycling facilities may not be easily accessible, leading to a lower recycling rate. An efficient waste management app should address these issues by improving collection scheduling and providing information on nearby recycling centers.
Inadequate data tracking and analysis: Existing waste management systems often lack robust data tracking and analysis capabilities. The absence of accurate data makes it challenging to identify trends, measure progress, and make data-driven decisions to optimize waste management processes. A comprehensive app should incorporate data collection and analysis features to enable municipalities and waste management organizations to monitor and improve their operations effectively.
Limited public awareness and education: Many residents are unaware of the environmental impact of improper waste disposal and the importance of recycling. There is a need for an app that provides educational resources, tips, and guidelines to raise public awareness about waste management practices and their significance in preserving the environment.
Overall, the lack of an efficient, user-friendly waste management app results in improper waste disposal, limited user engagement, inefficiencies in waste collection and recycling, inadequate data tracking, and a lack of public awareness.
Role in the Project
My role in the project as a UI/UX designer is to design an app that addresses the problems that will significantly contribute to improving waste management practices, reducing environmental impact, and fostering a more sustainable future. My responsibility includes the entire UX and UI Design.
Project Duration: 4 weeks.
Design Thinking Process
Research
India generates 62 million tonnes of waste each year. About 43 million tonnes (70%) are collected, of which about 12 million tonnes are treated, and 31 million tonnes are dumped in landfill sites. With changing consumption patterns and rapid economic growth, it is estimated that urban municipal solid waste generation will increase to 165 million tonnes in 2030. Most of India's dumpsites have exceeded their capacity and height limit of 20 meters. It is estimated that these sites enclose more than 10,000 hectares of urban land.
Solution has been designed by considering user’s expectations and requirements in each phase of the design thinking process. The product was created with User-Centered Design in mind, aiming to provide a great User Experience. In order to create an effective value-based product strategy, all I did is asking the right set of questions. Here are a few questions that guided me in building the strategy for the product.
Is this a real problem in our society?
Who is the target audience for our product?
How does our product address the needs of the customer?
What unique value does our product holds to beat competitors?
How I planned to deliver a unique value of my product to the user?
User Survey
UX surveys are a quick and easy method to gather user data. In this project, I used a user survey to understand people's waste management practices.
The sample size of the survey is 45 and I had used Google form to record the survey. Shown below is the quantitative data based on the survey.
User Interview
Following an online survey aimed at analyzing user practices, I conducted interviews with three individuals who encountered challenges when it came to waste disposal. Presented below are the sample questions from the user interview:
How would you describe your past and current experience with waste management in Kerala?
What challenges do you face when you have to sort waste?
What are some things that motivate you to sort your waste more accurately?
Can you give me a walkthrough of how you sort your waste?
User Persona
I developed personas using the results of user research, which aids in creating user-centric solutions.
Pain points and Needs
Lack of awareness
Insufficient infrastructure
Confusing recycling guidelines
Limited access to recycling facilities
High disposal costs
Illegal dumping and littering
Limited government support and policies
Lack of incentives for waste reduction
Excessive packaging and single-use items
Storyboard
To visualize, predict, and explore the user’s experience and interaction with the product, I come up with storyboard. By delving into the "why" and "how" aspects, it not only aids in understanding the motivations and frustrations associated with the current product but also brings clarity to the situation.
Reshma had just finished her morning jog and ready to take on the day. As she approached her front door, she noticed a strange, unpleasant smell. Puzzled, she pushed open the door, and the smell intensified, making her cringe.
She followed the odor to the kitchen, where she discovered the source of the problem - her trash bin was overflowing with waste, emitting an awful stench. Reshma sighed in frustration, realizing that she hadn't taken out the garbage in a few days, and it was now causing a real problem.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, Reshma decided to tackle the issue head-on. She fetched a pair of gloves and began sorting through the mess, separating recyclables from regular trash and setting aside the compostable items.
Still grappling with the situation, she remembered her friend Ravi, who was passionate about environmental causes. Without wasting any time, she dialed his number and explained the smelly situation.
Ravi listened attentively and went on to explain how to install and work Detox app. Excited about the prospect of a clean and fresh-smelling house, Reshma immediately downloaded the Detox app. To her delight, the app was user-friendly and easy to navigate. She scheduled a waste collection for later in the day and, with a sense of relief, saw the calculated fee, which she found reasonable.
In no time, a friendly waste collector arrived at Reshma's doorstep. He was well-equipped with proper waste management tools and containers. Reshma handed over the sorted waste, feeling thankful for the efficient and hassle-free service the Detox app provided.
After the waste collector left, Emily felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. Her house was now clean and free of the foul odor. She couldn't have been happier with the outcome.
Userflow
Now I have moved into the vital phase of my design process, that I want to create the user flow for my app. User Flow is the path a user follows through an application.
Wireframes
Wireframing in UI/UX Design is one of the most crucial steps which involves visualizing the skeleton of digital applications. To attain the design solution using MVPs, I began with creating the skeletal framework of the design. Following a series of rough sketches, I finalized the designs for each screen.
High Fidelity Prototype
Sign up & Onboarding
During the onboarding process, I have highlighted various features of the application. The sign-up screen will prompt users to provide essential information, streamlining the process. Additionally, an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to their mobile devices to verify their accounts effectively.
Payment & Ratings
Home screen & Schedule Pickup
From the home screen, users have the option to schedule household waste pickups by selecting the designated pickup function. Users are required to input the location, weight, and preferred time for the pickup. Following this, users are prompted to capture and submit a photo of the waste. Once the details are provided, waste collectors are assigned to the task and will conduct the waste collection. Upon confirming the weight of the collected waste, users will receive information about the corresponding payment amount.
E-Store
Hamburger Menu
Our hamburger menu offers easy access to a range of important options:
Pickups/order summary: Track your ongoing orders/pickups with real-time updates.
Your Address: Manage and update your delivery address.
Notifications: Stay informed with important updates and alerts.
Payments: Manage your payment methods and transactions securely.
Support: Get assistance and answers to your queries.
Membership: Explore exclusive benefits and perks.
About: Learn more about us and our mission.
With these options, our menu provides a seamless and informative user experience.
Users have access to a range of payment methods and the capability to provide ratings to reflect their pickup experience.
E-store within the application offers a wide selection of eco-friendly and reusable products, providing users with a convenient platform to shop for sustainable alternatives for everyday items
Impact Created
The Detox Mobile App will have a big impact in different ways. It will help businesses get more customers. It will also make life better for people who collect waste. For users, it will be easy and quick to throw away their trash using the app. And the app will also help the environment by reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills. Overall, the Detox Mobile App is a great solution that will help businesses, people, and the environment.
Take Aways
This project has enhanced my ability to solve problems, and I've further developed the concept by considering the user's point of view. By continuously improving the product and user experience through usability testing, we can ensure our product remains distinct from competitors. We'll iterate from the idea stage until it resonates as the ultimate solution for our target users.
I'm thrilled with the results achieved with DETOX, and I hold a strong conviction that this app will effectively address the problem at hand, gaining acceptance among the intended users.