Clearcycle App
Branding - UI/UX
2024
About
Recycling is essential for maintaining a sustainable environment and keeping our planet as clean and healthy as possible. For this project I aimed to make the recycling process easier and more accessible for the average person. Confusion and inconvenience around recycling often leads to lower participation and the incorrect disposal of recyclable items. People typically face issues in understanding what can be recycled, local recycling guidelines, and knowing their actual recycling impact.
Process
My work included comprehensive user research, ideation, branding, wireframing, and prototyping. By understanding user behaviors, needs, and pain points, I developed a user-friendly design that promotes recycling habits, simplifies item identification, and integrates a cohesive visual identity to engage users effectively.
Initial Research
I first identified a general population and conducted a Google survey on recycling practices, barriers, and impact. I then from that populous selected two people and interviewed them 1:1 for deeper insights into their routines and challenges.
Results showed a need for clearer recycling guidance, with many unsure of what’s recyclable and desiring greater impact awareness to encourage consistent habits.
To better understand recycling, I researched which items can be recycled at home versus those needing special facilities. I discovered that plastic resin codes indicate plastic type, not recyclability, which adds to the confusion. "Wishcycling"—recycling uncertain items—complicates sorting, raises costs, and can lead to contamination, diverting more waste to landfills. With only 32% of U.S. recyclables actually recycled, clearer guidelines on what and how to recycle are essential.
By using the data I created an affinity diagram to identify themes like material complexity and consumer confusion. I then designed storyboards to visualize user interactions and highlight pain points, helping to test core app concepts.
For app prioritization, I applied the MoSCoW method, focusing the MVP on key features such as item identification, user accounts, and activity tracking. Future additions like rewards and community challenges were noted as potential future add-ons.
Competitive Analysis
I conducted a competitive analysis of the top three recycling apps, examining user flows, key features like item identification and tracking, and overall practicality. This review highlighted gaps in existing apps (e.g., scan methods, history) and areas where my design could improve by reducing UX barriers.
Wireframes to Prototype
Using insights from competitor app flows, I sketched wireframes that enabled easier UX. I refined these into mockups focused on core functionality and navigation. After creating a functional prototype, I tested it in class, gathering feedback on usability issues and areas for improvement.
User Testing Rounds
I revised the prototype based on feedback, addressing pain points and refining features for clarity and flow. A follow-up test confirmed that the changes resolved initial issues, making the app more user-friendly and aligned with user needs.
Takeaways
University Setting for Relevant Insights
Being able to survey and interview students provided varied, actionable insights, that contributed to the overall effectiveness of the app. This approach led to a design that more accurately fit their daily needs, highlighting the value of engaging local users for a truly resonant product.
Refining with Competitive Edge and User-Centric Features
An in-depth competitive analysis revealed strengths and weaknesses in existing recycling apps, allowing me to incorporate effective elements and to avoid UX flaws. This approach saved time overall and led to a more functional app from the start. It made me realize the importance of having competition to learn from.
User-Driven Refinement for an Engaging Prototype
Building a prototype and gathering feedback enabled rapid, user-driven improvements, allowing the app to constantly evolve. Users were positively receptive to this, which inspired me to continue with iterative design and real-time feedback for future projects.