The Trasher
The Trasher
As part of the "Beyond the Screen" project in the bachelor’s program Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA), the task was to create a screenless design solution by identifying the underlying usability problem causing a specific issue. The challenge involved researching the root causes and developing a functional screenless solution.
The research employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, including fieldwork, prototype testing, user surveys, and interviews. This process led to the creation of a smart trashcan that incentivizes proper disposal by rewarding users and redirecting them to nearby empty bins when one is full. The concept, called "The Trasher," is an interactive trashcan designed to reduce street litter. Its distinctive design, inspired by basketball hoops, encourages users to "aim" at the target, making trash disposal both engaging and fun. This playful approach not only rewards proper disposal but also prevents littering around full bins by guiding users to nearby emptier ones.
Research
The initial research focused on understanding the actions already taken to reduce street pollution, the overall impact of littering, its causes, and what motivates people to dump waste in public spaces. I also explored how behavior could be changed to encourage people to properly dispose of their trash and address obstacles related to litter. The findings revealed that bus stops and train stations are perceived as the most polluted locations, with unconscious littering being a significant factor. This led me to focus on pollution at public transport stations, particularly since men under 35 were identified as slightly more likely to litter.
Next, I investigated unconscious behaviors related to littering at these stations, the user experience of station waste bins, and how litter accumulates in these areas. I also considered the interests of municipalities and companies in litter policies. My conclusions showed that travelers often litter unintentionally due to being in a hurry. Additionally, litter results from a lack of corrective behavior during failed disposal attempts, with insufficient stimulation from bins to encourage retrying. Over time, motivation to dispose of trash properly declines, and everyone contributes to street pollution at some point.
Idea Generations
From the research, several product requirements were established. First, the solution needed to capture users' attention. Second, it had to be easy to use, particularly for individuals in a hurry. Third, it needed to be universally understandable, ensuring clarity for people unfamiliar with the context, such as tourists. Fourth, the solution had to promote corrective behavior in the event of failed disposal attempts. Finally, it needed to maintain sufficient motivation for users to continue exhibiting corrective behavior.
These requirements were translated into practical questions: How can people be encouraged to dispose of waste properly? How can trash disposal be made easy for those in a hurry? How can trash bins be designed to be clear and accessible to tourists? How can corrective behavior be encouraged after failed disposal attempts? And how can motivation be sustained when users encounter unsuccessful disposal attempts? Ideas to address these questions were generated through brainstorming and organized into a morphological map to combine different concepts, ultimately leading to a prototype.
concept: The Trasher
The concept, The Trasher, is a smart trashcan that incentivizes proper disposal by rewarding users and directing them to nearby empty bins when one is full. The design is meant to stand out for improved visibility, with a shape inspired by basketball hoops to encourage users to "aim" at the target, making trash disposal more engaging and fun.
Feedback states
Positive feedback is provided through rainbow lights that illuminate when trash is successfully placed in the bin, while additional feedback is given when users miss the target. These playful elements not only reward proper disposal but also help reduce littering by guiding users to available bins when others are full.
States: off, pointing to the nearest empty can, completely empty, successful deposit, failed deposit
