EasyWaste app
Description:
This project aims to develop an application/portal dedicated to waste management and recycling in the city of Rome.
EasyWaste App is a responsive application aimed at simplifying waste sorting and disposal for the residents of Rome. The app focuses on providing clear information on recycling and special waste management, while encouraging user participation in sustainability initiatives.
Project Type:
Individual UX/UI project focused on waste management and civic participation
Project duration:
September 2024 - October 2024
Role:
UX designer: Responsible for user research, user flows, wireframing, prototyping, and visual design for mobile and responsive web platforms.
UI designer: Created high-fidelity mockups, color palettes, and typography that convey design concepts and enhance usability. Developed interactive prototypes to showcase key functionalities and user interactions.
Tools:
Figma
Canva
Methodology:
The project follows the Design Thinking framework.
The challenge
After living in the capital for over ten years, I have experienced firsthand the difficulties related to waste disposal and the issues that citizens face in adhering to and understanding ecological initiatives.
In several neighborhoods, waste is abandoned on the streets, despite the availability of special services provided by Ama, the waste management company.
However, accessing these services online is complicated, and there is little information available to the public.
As a result, Rome struggles with overflowing recycling bins and improper waste disposal.
Building on my personal experience, I aim to gather feedback from residents in different areas of the city to explore how we can better address these challenges and help them manage waste more effectively.
The goal of the app is to simplify recycling and promote active user participation through clear information and practical tools.
Research
I aimed to understand who my users were and the problems or needs I was trying to address, independently of my personal experience.
The target users are residents of Rome struggling with waste sorting and the disposal of special waste due to a lack of clear information.
They often don't know where to report issues or how to engage in improving their city.
These users may need better access to resources, communication channels with authorities, and opportunities for civic participation.
Partecipants
I focused on the characteristics of my target users and identified the following key traits for selecting participants to research:
Aged 18 - 75
Live in metropolitan or urban areas of Rome
Have varying levels of knowledge about waste sorting and disposal practices
Include people from different socio-economic backgrounds to capture a wide range of experiences
Include people of different genders
Include individuals with varying degrees of engagement in civic activities (e.g., some may be very active in their communities, while others may not engage at all)
Include individuals who may have disabilities, as their experiences with waste disposal and community engagement may differ
Metodology
I chose to collect data through questionnaires/surveys and in-person interviews.
I prepared a survey of 13 questions and an interview plan consisting of 7 open-ended questions.
For the sample of users I interviewed and surveyed, I selected people from various neighborhoods of Rome.
The city presents significant differences in waste management from one area to another, so to get as realistic a view as possible of the different experiences, I chose to divide the sample based on their neighborhoods of residence.
It has not been easy to encourage participation, especially for the interviews, as I had no budget or incentives to motivate people.
However, those who participated seemed genuinely engaged while answering my questions, so I believe the results are reliable in terms of the validity of the responses.
Here you can download the unmoderated questionnaire (sent via web and social media) and the in-person interview questions below.
Empathy maps
To deepen my understanding of users and identify recurring themes, I created aggregated empathy maps.
These maps compile the various opinions and experiences of users, allowing for a clear visualization of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors regarding waste separation and management in Rome.
I identified three distinct categories within the empathy maps, reflecting different attitudes and experiences related to waste management.
Each category corresponds to the types of responses gathered during the interviews, highlighting the varying levels of awareness, engagement, and frustration among residents regarding waste disposal and civic participation.
PDF download
Pain points
From the empathy maps, I was able to extract the main pain points of the users:
Confusion about Waste Sorting: Users do not know how to correctly dispose of waste and have difficulty finding clear information.
Problems with Bins: Full or poorly placed bins make it difficult to properly dispose of waste.
Lack of Communication with Authorities: Users feel ignored when reporting issues related to dirtiness and infrastructure.
Feeling of Indifference: Some citizens do not feel motivated to actively participate in waste sorting or volunteer initiatives.
Desire for Greater Involvement: There are users who want to contribute to improving their community but do not know how to do so.
Based on the results obtained from the research, I decided to create four personas representing the main user groups identified through the analysis of themes and attitudes that emerged during the interviews.
I developed Laura, who represents the Informed Residents; Marco, who embodies the Uninformed Residents; Silvia, who symbolizes the Active Citizens; and Giovanni, who portrays the Indifferent Citizens.
User journey maps
The following user journey maps detail the experiences of the four personas I have created for this project.
Each persona engages with waste management and civic systems in Rome, highlighting their unique challenges, emotional responses, and the opportunities to enhance their experience through a dedicated app.
These maps focus on simplifying processes, improving communication with local authorities, and fostering better engagement in waste disposal services.
PDF download
Competitive audit
To improve the design and functionality of the EasyWaste App, I conducted a competitive audit to analyze similar products and evaluate their usability, design, and key features.
Overview
The main direct competitor identified is the AMA website, which manages waste collection in Rome.
Though no other direct competitors were found, I identified two relevant indirect competitors: Waste Less and TrashCash. These platforms focus on waste management and reporting functions, though their goals differ from the EasyWaste App’s.
The detailed analysis is available in the full report (that you can download clicking the orange button).
However, here are the key insights that will guide the development of the EasyWaste App:
Usability
Engagement
Communication
These insights will guide the development of an app that is not only informative but also engaging and operational, with a strong focus on interactivity and user empowerment.
PDF download
Site map and user flows
Before proceeding to the prototype phase, I took the time to refine the problem statements and users' goals by creating detailed user flows and a sitemap.
This step allowed me to establish a clear understanding of how users will interact with the product, ensuring that their journey aligns with their goals.
By mapping out these flows, I can now develop a more intuitive and user-centered navigation structure, laying the foundation for a smooth and purposeful user experience.
As you can notice in the User flows uploaded above, there are some app functions that will not be accessible to users who have not logged in for logistical reasons: all interactive sections require a return contact.
Therefore, unless the user logs in with their email, creating an account, they will only be able to browse the app as a guest.
I have decided to upload here the main User Flows:
Get info about recyclable materials in your area.
Initially, I had thought about asking users to either Log in or continue as external users at their first interaction with the Home.
However, when I used the Low-Fi prototype, I realized how annoying it was!!
This action, in fact, somehow interrupted the user flow, affecting the curiosity of someone who has just installed the app and wants to explore its content.
So, I modified the user flows I had previously created, placing the Log in request only in sections where it was strictly necessary.
Wireframing
To start the wireframing process, I created preliminary sketches on paper to explore different layout solutions.
Then, I selected the concepts that seemed most functional and intuitive, and transferred them to Figma, where I developed the digital version of the wireframes.
In the app, I established that access to the "Report Issues" feature is restricted until users register their profile.
This decision was made for two key reasons:
1) First, as I mentioned earlier, because the app is designed to facilitate direct communication between users and the authorities, it's important to create a messaging connection, which isn't possible if the user isn't registered and doesn't create a mailbox linked to the app.
2) Secondly, this measure helps minimize the number of anonymous users submitting reports for fun or with malicious intent.
In the following wireframe, you can see that the app notifies the user that they cannot access the section without first registering or logging in with their credentials.
In other cases, the app optionally allows users to either log in or continue as a guest.
This happens in certain sections where registered users have access to additional features, while external users can still use the function but with some limitations.
These limitations are clearly indicated at the moment of choice, as shown in the wireframe below.
Lo-Fi Prototype
After defining the wireframes, I created a low-fidelity prototype to test some of the app’s key user flows and navigation.
The prototype focuses on simulating the interaction between selected sections, allowing for an early evaluation of the app's structure and functionality.
You can explore the available user flows in the Lo-Fi prototype through the link below:
Usability Study
At this point, before proceeding with the design and the creation of the mockups, I have planned a usability study to test the navigation and engagement of the app.
My research goals focus on assessing how users think, feel, and behave while interacting with the prototype, as well as evaluating how easily they can complete the main user flow and achieve their goals.
I chose to recruit individuals who reflect my user personas as residents of Rome with varying levels of ecological awareness.
There were seven participants, all aged between 21 and 65, living in different neighborhoods of Rome.
Methodology
I decided to conduct a moderated study, with me guiding the users throughout the test.
I chose this approach because I thought it was important to observe user expressions and comments, allowing for a deeper understanding of their feelings, thoughts, and any difficulties they encountered while using the app.
My presence made the session more engaging for users, motivating them to test the app more freely.
After organizing and clustering the various arguments into themes, I derived insights that I then applied to the previously structured design.
Design solution
Color palette choice
To define the visual style of the app, I conducted research on current color trends and opted for vibrant shades that reflect the urban context of Rome.
I chose warm tones, ranging from brick to orange and pink, with the addition of blue to balance the warm chromatic scheme.
Color Explanation
The color palette of the app has been carefully selected to reflect the desired visual identity and create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
Blue (#1B52BF): This color represents stability and trust, evoking the image of the sky and water, essential elements for a sustainable urban environment.
Light Orange (#F2BC79): The light orange brings warmth and vitality, symbolizing energy and positivity, in order to encourage user interaction.
Pink (#F2D6BD): The pink, which slightly leans towards orange, is the predominant color of the app and is used for the main buttons.
Dark Orange (#D96A29): The dark orange represents a nod to the earth and natural materials, suggesting a connection with the surrounding environment and the theme of recycling.
Coral Red (#F2441D): I chose this coral red to draw attention to crucial elements.
Even though the app focuses on environmental themes, I intentionally excluded green, a common color in "green" initiatives, to ensure the palette remains accessible to people with color blindness or other color perception disorders.
I then added two neutral colors to the palette for some secondary buttons:
Ice gray (F0F0F0)
Dark gray (525252), for the texts
Font choice
Regarding the font, I decided to choose the Figma font "Jost," as it conveys a sense of order while remaining soft and curved.
This is particularly important for an app dedicated to waste management, as a more informal and welcoming design can increase user engagement, making the experience more accessible and less intimidating.
In the titles, I used a font size of 24, while in the narrative texts, I chose a size of 15: this ensures a clear hierarchy of texts and allows users to easily understand which content is primary and which is secondary.
Mockups
Hi-Fi Prototype
I created a high-fidelity (hi-fi) prototype using Figma, which allows users to explore some of the app’s main flows:
How to Sort Waste, Where to Throw It, and the Report Issues section, accessible only after logging in.
You can explore the Hi-Fi prototype through the link below:
Summary of the Final Testing
In the final design of the prototype, through a usability study, I found that the navigability needed greater fluidity.
Users experienced difficulties transitioning from the login screen, which initially redirected them to the main page, causing disappointment.
Therefore, I modified the flow so that upon each login, users would be taken back to the page they had just left.
Additionally, I would suggest including some links that connect the app to the corresponding sections of the Ama website of Rome, to further enhance the user experience.
This bar chart displays data regarding the final prototype testing results, highlighting key performance metrics.
The metrics I choose to include are:
Navigability (85%)
Usefulness (90%)
Satisfaction (75%)
Ease of Use (80%)
Additionally, the chart incorporates an acceptance threshold of 75% to emphasize the critical parameters for assessing the prototype's effectiveness.
These results provide valuable insights into user experiences and areas for potential improvement.
Reflections and next steps
Accessibility considerations:
I ensured a high level of contrast for readability, along with icons and symbols that are easy to differentiate.
I also established a clear and intuitive text hierarchy for the integration of possible voice guides, which read messages in a structured and useful order for the user, making the experience more inclusive and accessible.
Future product Features:
Integration with the AMA website: Add links to the AMA (Azienda Municipale Ambiente) website, particularly for sections with in-depth information on disposal rules and official guidelines.
Advanced waste sorting support: Expand sorting guidance with AI-based suggestions using image recognition, allowing users to better identify recyclable materials.
Location-based disposal suggestions: Provide location-based notifications to remind users of collection days, special disposal requirements, and nearby recycling centers.
Implementation of a map for the bin locator: Create an interactive map with real-time updates for the bin locator, providing information on the status and location of bins. Updates should ideally have a maximum delay of 10 minutes between reporting and actual intervention, thus ensuring the most accurate data possible for users.
Impact:
In Rome, an app like EasyWaste can significantly influence waste management practices, improving citizens' approach to more conscious and responsible waste disposal.
The primary goal of the app is to engage users and raise awareness about the importance of caring for urban environments, particularly the streets, which currently suffer from overflowing bins and poor organization in the collection and disposal of materials.
EasyWaste aims to motivate citizens to dispose of materials correctly and mindfully, and its direct reporting system to the authorities creates a tangible channel for civic responsibility.
Through the app, users can not only adopt corrective behaviors but also actively participate in local initiatives, fostering a community that is more attentive and committed to enhancing the urban environment.
Finally, the accessible design and support for waste differentiation make the app usable by a wide audience, facilitating sustainable waste management even among those who may have limited knowledge in this area.