ReUp

Shawn Murphy / User Experience Design II / Final Project / May 11, 2015

• Find Recycling Locations Easier! •

PROBLEMThe average American throws away 4.3 pounds of waste per day which adds up to about 220 million tons of waste generated each year.1 people often either don’t know what is recyclable or where to recycle their items and end up throwing them in the trash.

OUR VISIONTo help combat this problem, the ReUp mobile app allows users to find local recycling facilities and information while on the go. The app’s goal is to reduce waste by providing people on the run with localized recycling options, up cycling locations and tips on how to reduce their waste.

Most people know they can recycle paper, plastic, glass and aluminum items but other waste like batteries, light bulbs or plastic shopping bags can also be recycled if done properly to avoid the landfill. The app allows the user to search by item to find local recycling/up-cycling facilities and will use Google Maps API to help direct them while en route.

GOALSWithin the first year of operation the goal of the app is to reach 75,000 downloads with a retention of 50,000 registered active users. In addition, the app will measure success by tracking the amount of recyclables each user checks in with the hope of reaching 1 million interactions by the end of the year.

Introduction

1Duke University Center of Sustainability & Commerce. http://center.sustainability.duke.edu/resources/green-facts-consumers/how-much-do-we-waste-daily. Accessed on April 12, 2015.

SURVEY SUMMARY25 potential users surveyed via SurveyMonkey.

1. Do you or your family Recycle? Yes or No?All 25 respondents said they recycle.

2. Why do you recycle?The overall sentiment was that they recycled because they have a duty to preserve the environment. One respondent went into more detail stating

“We recycle because we want to do our part to ensure that items are disposed of properly to cut down on landfill issues and ensuring a greener planet for generations to come. Our town also makes it really easy to do this.”

I found the last part insightful - the easier it is to recycle more people would want to do it.

3. What types of items would you like to dispose of/recycle but don’t know how?Some of the information users are looking to dispose of/recycle include: batteries, household items, technology, plastic bags from the grocery store, light bulbs and styrofoam.

4. How often do you recycle?67% of respondents recycled all the time29% of respondents recycled most of the time4% of respondents recycled half the time

5. What characteristics do you look for when downloading a mobile app?The most common responses to this question were cost and convenience. If the user found the app to fit into their life then they were more inclined to use it regularly. Other users pointed to the style and simplistic nature of the apps they use regularly - they weren’t interested in additional features. Keep it simple.

User Research

User Persona: Shannon

DEMOGRAPHICS:• Gender: Female• Ethnicity: Caucasian• Age: 32• Occupation: Mother / Photographer• City: Madison, NJ• Housing: Owns a home with husband• Marital Status: Married, 2 kids under the age of 5

ATTITUDES TOWARDS TECHNOLOGYProficient with technology - she has grown up with it, has a smart phone and laptop, keeps up to date with friends via social media (mainly Facebook and Instagram) and email, shops primarily online for household items, owns several digital cameras for home business

PSYCHOGRAPHICS & BEHAVIORS:• Shannon’s main focus is her children ages 2 and 5 • When not shuffling her kids to activities she spends time on her

hobby/passion - photography• For additional income she started a photography business to

help pay the bills• Shannon wants to help prepare the world for her children but is

unsure how• She uses a reusable water bottle to avoid additional waste and

even bought mini reusable water bottles for her children• She often places orders for household items from Amazon

Prime and will recycle the boxes• Her family recycles plastics/glass and paper every week

through curbside recycling but she wants to do more

• She stays up to date with technology and has several old electronic gadgets (e.g. laptops, iPods, digital cameras, etc.) that she’s unsure what to do with or how to dispose of

FEARS & FRUSTRATIONS• She’s afraid that her children are growing up too fast and she’s

not there enough for them since her photography business is taking off

• Shannon is aware of the amount of trash her family generates on a weekly basis but isn’t sure how to recycle more or dispose of items properly

• Feels guilty she’s not doing enough to be green • Would like guidance on the best ways to recycle items that

aren’t typically put out at the curb

NEEDS & GOALS• She wants to use technology to help her be a greener person• She hopes to reduce her trash to one bag per week for her

family of four• Would like a more fuel efficient car but can’t give up the SUV

she touts her kids around in

*For full user personas see Appendix - pgs 18-21

User Research (Continued)

User Persona: Fred

DEMOGRAPHICS:• Gender: Male• Ethnicity: Caucasian• Age: 40• Occupation: Restaurant owner in Center City• City: Philadelphia, PA• Housing: Owns a condo with wife• Marital Status: Married

ATTITUDES TOWARDS TECHNOLOGY Somewhat proficient with technology, he uses it mostly for work; owns a smart phone and desktop computer; uses social media to promote specials at his restaurant, post photos, etc. to gain business

PSYCHOGRAPHICS & BEHAVIORS:• Fred spends most of his time at his restaurant and enjoys

interacting with people vs. through technology• He takes his bike to work/will walk in inclement weather to save

gas and get exercise• At home he has an organic garden in his tiny city-sized

backyard where he grows tomatoes and herbs • Tries to save food scraps for composting but doesn’t have

enough space to do it correctly• Fred and his wife try to be green at every turn they can but find

it difficult in the city• With his business being a BYOB, on weekends especially he is

left with many bottles that he recycles - it costs more for him to do this but he feels it’s his obligation to the environment

FEARS & FRUSTRATIONS• He is concerned with the amount of food waste created

from his restaurant and isn’t sure how to get rid of it in an environmentally safe way

• Is concerned he’s being as environmentally friendly as possible in his business ventures

• Would like to add solar panels to the top of his building but is scared of the cost to install

• Needs to upgrade restaurant’s computer system but is unsure where to dispose the old one

NEEDS & GOALS• Wants to use technology to be more green and track his

progress• Would like more education about the city’s recycling and

progress being made• Isn’t sure what other steps he can implement into his business

to make it more environmentally friendly

User Research (Continued)

User Persona: Julie

DEMOGRAPHICS:• Gender: Female• Ethnicity: African American• Age: 23• Occupation: Store clerk at small boutique in city• City: Grand Rapids, MI• Housing: Rents an apartment with three others• Marital Status: Single

ATTITUDES TOWARDS TECHNOLOGYExtremely proficient with technology, she uses her smart phone and iPad the most as she’s often on the go; she has grown up with technology and couldn’t imagine her life without it; Most popular apps are Instagram & SnapChat as well as Apple Maps to help her find her way around

PSYCHOGRAPHICS & BEHAVIORS:• Julie works long hours at a small clothing boutique in Grand

Rapids• She’d like to find a job in psychology, the field she studied in

college, but can’t find work• She tries her best to be conscious of her recycling habits but

sometimes finds that it’s more trouble than it’s worth to collect, sort and bring recycling to the dumpster

• She feels that recycling has become passé and isn’t as effective as it was during her parent’s generation even though she still wants to participate

• She is motivated to recycle when strapped for cash and will often collect cans after parties to deposit and get cash back

• Has gotten lost driving to the recycling collection center -

doesn’t know where to take her cans to get cash back• Looks for new apps/websites through friends’ suggestions &

positive user recommendations• She receives household item donation postcards from the

Red Cross and Big Brothers and Sisters but can’t participate because she lives in an apartment building

FEARS & FRUSTRATIONS• She finds it difficult living with several people and wants to

move out• Isn’t sure if she’s going to be able to pay her rent this month• She wishes there was an easier way to recycle & she could find

motivation to do it more often• Is frustrated that she can’t leave home donation items at her

apartment

NEEDS & GOALS• Julie wants to improve her building’s recycle after seeing the

amount of waste only 15 tenants generate each week• She is in need of a new phone but can’t afford it• She would like to be motivated to recycle more and looks to

technology to help her make positive changes in her life (diet, exercise, etc.)

User Research (Continued)

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User Research (Continued)

Competitive Analysis (Lo Fi)

Price

iRECYCLE by Earth911.com

Free

iPhone, iPad, Android

USA

240 materials (batteries, electronics, metal,

paint, automotive, etc.)

• Geo-locate recycling facilities by product

• Facility contact information• Driving directions to facility• Tips about recycling specific

products (generic)

• Locate Greener Corners recycling bins

• Take photos of recycling and share to social media

• Check-in by scanning codes with built-in QR reader

• User must create an account to participate

• Track team or solo recycling activity

• Set a recycling goal based on cash you’d like to earn

• Quickly find recycling centers nearby using GPS or ZIP

• Learn fun facts about recycling

Basic materials(paper, glass, plastic,

aluminum)

Aluminum only

USACO, NJ, NY, OH

Provides access to over 800,000 recycling and

disposal resources

User keeps track of what they’re recycling in Greener

Corner’s recycling bins.

Earn cash by recycling cans - keep track of your

recycling and set monetary goals.

iPhone iPhone

Free Free

Greener Corners by RecyclePal

Aluminate by ALCOA

Platforms

Value Proposition

Region

Recyclables

Features

Competitive Analysis (Hi Fi)

Competitive Analysis Summary

While there are several recycling applications on the market that allow users to find local recycling facilities there are some flaws with them which leads me to believe that there’s still a market for this application.

Only one out of three recycling apps I compared was available on multiple platforms including iPhone, iPad and Android. (iRecycle)

Most apps in this space are limited in their recycling information or focus on one type of material to recycle like the Aluminate app which is only for aluminum recycling. The iRecycle app was the only one that allowed users to select different types of material like batteries, paint and hazardous materials.

None of the apps have been updated in over 2 years.

Geo locating recycling facilities is used by all apps. Some use Google maps while others use Apple Maps.

Greener Corners was the most limiting as its focus is on finding Greener Corners bins in only 4 states.

None of the apps allowed users to add data like local recycling schedules, materials accepted or donation services.

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2

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5

4

Information Architechture - Site Map

Home

0.00

Login

1.00

Menu

1.2.0

Recycleables

1.3.0

Register

2.00

Batteries

Profile

1.2.2

Automotive

1.3.1

1.3.2

1.3.3

1.3.4

1.3.5

1.3.6

1.3.7

1.3.8

1.3.9

Settings

1.2.1

Bottles

Linked Social Media Accounts

1.2.3

Cans

Clothes

Electronics

Eye Glasses

Paper

Plastic

Search

1.1.0

Information Architechture - User Flow (Lo Fi)

Information Architechture - User Flow (Hi Fi)

Home

Register

Email Facebook Google+

Back

Confirmation

Share to Social Media

Error Confirmation

No

Yes

Login?

Sign In

Bottles

Batteries

Automotive

Electronics

Clothes

Cans

Plastic Select a Recycling Location

Paper

Eyeglasses

Recycle an item

Wireframes (Lo Fi)

Wireframes (Hi Fi)

ReUp

Logo/Icon

Locate recycling locations and help the planet and your community.

or

User Name

Password

Sign In

Register

AT&T 11:56 AM User name and password required to login to app

ReUp Application Login Screen

1

1

Once a successful user name and password are entered and the “Sign In” button is tapped the user advances to the Recycleable list/menu

2

Clicking “Register” advances the user to the Registration screen3

3

2

Wireframes (Hi Fi)

Create a user name and password below or login with your Facebook

or Google+ account.

User Name*

Password*

Confirm Password*

Email Address*

Register

Register with Facebook

Register with Google+

Back Register

or

AT&T 11:56 AM Back button will direct the user to the login screen

ReUp Registration

11

All fields are required. If not filled out user to receive error message

2

2

Register with Facebook or Google+ credentials

3

3

Wireframes (Hi Fi)

Create a user name and password below or login with your Facebook

or Google+ account.

User Name*

Password*

Confirm Password*

Email Address*

Register

Register with Facebook

Register with Google+

Back Register

or

Congratulations!You’ve taken a step to making the

planet just a little bit greener. Get started recycling now!

Login Share

AT&T 11:56 AM When user registers successfully the “Congratulations” confirmation message

ReUp Registration Confirmation Message

1

1

Tapping the Login button brings the user to the Login page

2

2

Share the Reup app to social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

3

Tap grey overlay background to return to page and dismiss alert

4

4

3

Wireframes (Lo Fi)

Wireframes (Hi Fi)

ReUp

Auto Batteries Bottles

Cans Clothes Electronics

Eye Glasses Paper Plastic

AT&T 11:56 AM When tapped, flyout navigation menu will open

ReUp Recycleable Menu

1

1When magnifying glass is tapped it opens a search overlay

2

When recycleable item is selected user is directed to map3

3

User can swipe the recycling list left or right to see more recycleable items4

4

2

Wireframes (Lo Fi)

Wireframes (Hi Fi)

ReUp

Location name 1 Main St., Anytown, NJ .05 Miles1

Location name 1 Main St., Anytown, NJ .26 Miles2

Location name 1 Main St., Anytown, NJ .5 Miles3

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2

3

Back Plastic ?

AT&T 11:56 AM Back button will direct the user to the recycleable list menu

ReUp Map

1

The selected recycleable item will be highlighted in this space above the map

2

“?” displays educational information like plastic numbers accepted, pickup dates, etc.3

User can pinch map screen to zoom4

User can select a location based on the menu list or by selecting the pinpoint on the map. User will be offered walking, driving or biking directions based on their location and selection.

5

Users location indicated by star icon6

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5

Test ParticipantsThe participants were both regular smart phone users and avid recyclers. One participant was a account manager/mother who regularly recycles. The other was a senior copywriter who recycles at home but not at the office.

Test PurposeTo examine how people use the app to find recycling locations close to them.

Each user was asked to complete four tasks:1. Imagine you ate lunch in a park and want to recycle your

items instead of throwing them in the trash. You download the ReUp app on your phone and register for an account.

2. The first item you want to recycle is your plastic water bottle - how would you do this?

3. Locate the closest recycling facility to the park.4. How would you locate other recyclables?

Observations & SuggestionsOBSERVATION 1: Both users were able to register without a problem but didn’t notice or give any thought to registering with Facebook or Google+ despite the directions at the top of the screen.

SUGGESTION: Give pathway options to user and let them proceed as necessary instead of having the email form at the top of the screen. Before moving forward with changes test more to see if other users react differently or possibly get rid of Facebook and Google+ options. Users feared the app would post to their social media accounts without their permission.

OBSERVATION 2: Both users located the plastic recyclables icon without a problem. When asked how the user would locate other recyclables they were divided - one said they would swipe right to see more icons or use the search functionality the other said she would initially go to the top left menu.

SUGGESTION: Upon launch of the app a guided tour could start that the user can swipe through so they understand the main navigation elements easier.

OBSERVATION 3: Both users paused when locating the closest recycling facility but eventually found the closest location.

SUGGESTION: Include a identification mark on the map that lets the user know where they are.

User Testing