In the EU Circular Design Internship in Sweden, I closely collaborated with Electrolux to create solutions for minimising end-of-life white goods waste, promoting a more sustainable future.
UI Design
UX Researcher
Feb 19 - May 19
The Problem
Sweden faces significant waste from disposing of white goods due to ineffective recycling practices and a lack of refurbishment facilities. Existing laws also hindered retrieval from recycling centers.
The Solution
Our team proposed a circular ecosystem for white goods, giving users two options when their goods malfunctioned: a revamped recycling center and a self repair application. The center would have professional technicians to salvage reusable parts, while the app would enable users to troubleshoot their goods and order used parts for repairs.
My Role
As a UX designer, I researched the current situation, user needs, and disposal challenges. My contributions included brainstorming, outlining requirements, sketching solutions, and designing the self repair application.
Research
In this project, our team focused on researching why people discard white goods and the state of recycling in Sweden. Our goal was to boost white goods reuse. Following UX principles, we started by understanding the current situation, user needs, and challenges.
Secondary Research
Our project journey commenced with secondary research. By researching existing data, we sought answers to critical questions, enriching our grasp of the white goods waste issue. This exploration aided in delineating the problem landscape, uncovering effective approaches, and honing our focus.
Primary Research
Subsequently, we shifted our attention to primary research. Our primary research approach primarily involved visiting local recycling centres and engaging in informal discussions with their staff. Additionally, we conducted formal interviews with various stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the primary reasons behind the disposal of white goods. These efforts yielded numerous significant findings.
Key Insights:
Idea Generation
In the following stage of our project, we started the ideation phase. Our key approaches to generating ideas revolved around brainstorming, outlining system requirements, and sketching prospective solutions to address the white goods disposal issue.
Brainstorming
Our initial step involved brainstorming various ideas to address the challenges at hand. Initially, we compiled a comprehensive list of the issues that were ripe for addressing. Subsequently, we engaged in discussions to explore potential solutions to these problems.
System Requirements
Following the compilation of a comprehensive list of solutions to address the disposal issue, the next critical step was to create a list of system requirements for the envisioned product.
This is an essential step as it serves as a foundational framework for ensuring that the final product meets the needs and expectations of its users. These requirements guide the design process, helping to align it with user preferences, functionality, and usability.
Sketching
In the concluding phase of idea generation, our focus shifted towards crafting viable solutions grounded in the challenges we had encountered. We revisited the established requirements to derive a multitude of concepts aimed at establishing a circular ecosystem for white goods.
Design Focus
System Overview
In this phase of the project, we finalized a practical solution designed to establish circularity within the white goods lifecycle. Our proposed system offers consumers two distinct options when their white goods malfunction:
Recycling Centre Redesign:
Consumers can choose to bring their malfunctioning white goods to a recycling centre for proper disposal. The recycling centre is strategically designed to enhance the user experience, with clearly displayed information guiding them to the designated disposal areas. At the centre, there are professional technicians who dismantle the white goods, salvaging reusable components. These salvaged parts are meticulously catalogued and stored within a comprehensive system for future use.
Self Repair Application:
For consumers who prefer to take matters into their own hands, a mobile application is at their disposal. This innovative application equips users with the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot issues with their white goods effectively. Within the app, users can effortlessly order the necessary used parts and even lease a self-fix toolkit containing all the essential tools required for repairs. The application boasts comprehensive video instructions, facilitating the repair process, cutting costs, and significantly boosting the potential for white goods to be successfully repurposed.
Wireframing
During this project phase, our team made a strategic decision to divide into two groups, each dedicated to addressing distinct aspects of the solution. My group's specific mission was to focus on the development of the self-repair system and all its components. This encompassed activities such as wireframing the application and subsequently crafting prototypes for both the application itself and the essential elements.
Final Design
Following the creation of our initial wireframes, the next step involved prototyping the application. I employed Adobe XD as the primary tool for this task. While designing the application, we placed a strong emphasis on fundamental design principles, with a particular focus on predictability and affordances. These principles played a crucial role in shaping a user-friendly and intuitive design.
