DT Individual Project Implementation Stage: Prototyping

Because I scrapped the first idea (bins that help or encourage others to recycle) due to time and budget constraints, I decided to proceed with prototyping the label idea. For the design of the labels, I took note of the elements used on existing labels (the city council’s logo and campaign tagline, the symbols used, etc.) as well as what portions needed to be improved based on what users were saying (font, information, colour contrast, etc.). Prior to going off to the printers, I asked for some quick feedback (via Facebook post) from some contacts of mine who I knew were either designers themselves or design-inclined. The feedback was helpful in fine tuning my design. I was aware that a rapid prototype was the ideal and most economical way to test a design and get quick feedback, however my design solution required a refined visual from the get-go. Once I had it printed in its actual size, I went on to test it off-campus in more populated areas within the city, places where I would not likely be accused of ‘vandalising’ public property. My chosen location was at the neighbouring uni, QUT Gardens Point. My first testing site was in front of the Fraser library:

To my dismay, the labels were too small and left a portion of the original label visible and distracting! With no time to reprint, I went with it and observed how the students interacted with the signs. I got a very interesting insight from one of the users I was able to speak to. She actually was rather doubtful about the accuracy of the info on my labels since what she knew about soiled paper products was contrary to what my sign instructed (my sign indicated that soiled paper products go into General Waste, this was based on https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/conservation/theres-more-to-the-yellow-bin-than-you-may-think-expert-reveals-dos-and-donts-of-recycling/news-story/5ccbb7d0965eb24a7f383189f9251c11). To be honest, I was also confused with this and hadn’t really done extensive research apart from reading news and recycling website info. Apparently the debate still goes on to this day https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-city-council-says-used-pizza-boxes-can-go-in-recycling-bin/news-story/d2a1c5bf62d876965c7cd261a12977e4).

My detailed report is here.

After it started drizzling, I moved indoors into the library and found a spot on Level 4 that had a good view of the bins. The foot traffic wasn’t as heavy as I had initially expected so I moved to an upper floor and spotted the same bin-seat configuration ideal for my test.

My signs got a mix of some curious looks, non-significant interactions that resulted in incorrect rubbish disposal and 2 users who liked the design (one thought they were part of the existing campaign). I also had the opportunity to speak to one of the cleaners who was quite cheerful despite confirming that most, if not all, students really didn’t bother with the signs at all. I was able to take a peek at the contents of the bin and to my surprise, some people actually followed the Recycling rules (mostly for the more obvious items like soda cans and plastic bottles). One of the more confusing items like bubble tea cups and soiled paper products were in both bins as expected.

Overall Feedback

My signs got a mix of some curious looks, non-significant interactions that resulted in incorrect rubbish disposal and 2 users who liked the design (one thought they were part of the existing campaign). I also had the opportunity to speak to one of the cleaners who was quite cheerful despite confirming that most, if not all, students really didn’t bother with the signs at all. I was able to take a peek at the contents of the bin and to my surprise, some people actually followed the Recycling rules (mostly for the more obvious items like soda cans and plastic bottles). One of the more confusing items like Bubble Tea cups and soiled paper products were in both bins as expected.

After the test, it was clear that a lot of people didn’t really make a lot of effort to make sure they disposed of their waste correctly. I mean, why would they? What was in it for them? This was something I had failed to address with my design solution mainly because I had scrapped the first idea of creating something engaging. On the upside, I did however get some positive feedback from strangers and had a handful actual sign “followers” which of course made me quite hopeful.