ChiRecycle App
From the avid recycler who wants to make a bigger impact to the novice who needs a routine, ChiRecycle is an app that caters to anyone trying to make Chicago a cleaner city. Unlike other recycling apps, ChiRecycle allows you to track your recycling progress, stay motivated with virtual rewards, and contact your representatives to create lasting change in your city.
The Team
David Adeyemi- Audio specialist
Kimetha Dunn UX Designer and Researcher
David Gustafson- Video Editor
Kim Le Mezo- Video Illustrator
Aline Rudnick- Illustrator
The Problem:
The city of Chicago has one of the worst recycling rates in the nation at 8.8%
No meaningful enforcement of ordinance requiring recycling containers for larger 5+ unit buildings.
Private firms like Waste Management tag entire bins as “contaminated” and take it with the trash.
Inefficient sorting system and lack of funding (Department of Environment eliminated in 2011).
Research Goal:
How can the city of Chicago boost recycling engagement among residents of large apartment buildings and increase its recycling rate to 25% in the next five years?
The recommendations from research were used to expand on the affinity mapping and needs of the users. Actions below are actions that are requested from the user during the initial survey research.
Methodology:
6-week study to assess the effectiveness of Chicago’s recycling program and how it can be improved upon by 2022. Study participants were living or have lived in the Chicago land area or surrounding suburb in a high rise, mid rise or town home community.
Phase 1: Conduct user surveys on recycling habits, issues and constraints.
Phase 2: 20 minute user interview via zoom or phone with over 12 participants.
Phase 3: 2 weeks of task based remote testing.
Affinity Mapping
Feedback
Key Findings:
Many users would prefer an incentive in the form of money or a credit toward their trash bill.
Most mid rise buildings do not offer on site recycling it is up to the tenant only.
Users would love a feature that connects them with their community while promoting recycling.
90% of users welcome an opportunity to recycle and help keep Chicago beautiful.
Persona’s
Attitudal Research- User Testing Interview
User Testing Interview Overview
We conducted five guided user tests. As a group, we developed a script and questions based around the Sprint “Five Act” structure.
Gave brief overview of concept and established our test subjects background.
Conducted test of prototype, guiding the subject through the most central functions of the app.
Showed subject the promo video, testing the accuracy of our research and analysis.
Asked a handful of questions debriefing the whole experience, had the user reiterate their biggest takeaways from the testing.
Mobile App Usability Testing Prototype
Usability Testing and Beyond
During our user testing we gathered a lot of great feedback. While we were able to integrate some user feedback into our design, other features will require more resources. We have identified those features and resources into the three phases below.
