WASTEWISE
WASTEWISE
WASTEWISE
AI Powered Waste Disposal
AI Powered Waste Disposal
Role: UX/UI Designer
Role: UX/UI Designer
Tools: Figma, Notion, Optimal Workshop
Tools: Figma, Notion, Optimal Workshop
Type: End-to-End Product Design
Type: End-to-End Product Design
overview.
WasteWise is a mobile app that helps Seattle residents properly dispose of their waste. Seattle has ambitious zero-waste goals, but current tools like the "Where Does It Go?" website can be hard to navigate — especially on mobile and in real-time moments. It’s designed for both quick decisions and long term clarity
WasteWise is a mobile app that helps Seattle residents properly dispose of their waste. Seattle has ambitious zero-waste goals, but current tools like the "Where Does It Go?" website can be hard to navigate — especially on mobile and in real-time moments. It’s designed for both quick decisions and long term clarity
WasteWise is a mobile app that helps Seattle residents properly dispose of their waste. Seattle has ambitious zero-waste goals, but current tools like the "Where Does It Go?" website can be hard to navigate — especially on mobile and in real-time moments. It’s designed for both quick decisions and long term clarity
key features
key features
key features
Keyword-based smart search
that returns visual, bite-sized disposal guidance
Keyword-based smart search
that returns visual, bite-sized disposal guidance
Keyword-based smart search
that returns visual, bite-sized disposal guidance
AI-powered camera
that helps users identify items when they don’t know the name
AI-powered camera
that helps users identify items when they don’t know the name
AI-powered camera
that helps users identify items when they don’t know the name
Clear Guidelines
that show how to dispose items without overwhelming users
Clear Guidelines
that show how to dispose items without overwhelming users
Clear Guidelines
that show how to dispose items without overwhelming users
challenge.
Even people who want to recycle properly struggle with local rules. Seattle’s “Where Does It Go?” tool is detailed, but dense and hard to scan on mobile. This leads to confusion, wishcycling, and contamination.
Even people who want to recycle properly struggle with local rules. Seattle’s “Where Does It Go?” tool is detailed, but dense and hard to scan on mobile. This leads to confusion, wishcycling, and contamination.
Even people who want to recycle properly struggle with local rules. Seattle’s “Where Does It Go?” tool is detailed, but dense and hard to scan on mobile. This leads to confusion, wishcycling, and contamination.
So what were the issues?
So what were the issues?
So what were the issues?
Long, hard-to-read instructions
Long, hard-to-read instructions
Long, hard-to-read instructions
People want answers in the moment, not later
People want answers in the moment, not later
People want answers in the moment, not later
Uncertainty around tricky items
Uncertainty around tricky items
Uncertainty around tricky items
WHERE DOES IT GO? EXAMPLES
research.
I needed to understand how the user experienced things.
I needed to understand how the user experienced things.
I needed to understand how the user experienced things.
What was preventing people from having the information they needed? Were there already apps like this outside of the website? I had so many questions about how people learned, and what their biggest hurdles were when it came to throwing away their trash.
What was preventing people from having the information they needed? Were there already apps like this outside of the website? I had so many questions about how people learned, and what their biggest hurdles were when it came to throwing away their trash.
What was preventing people from having the information they needed? Were there already apps like this outside of the website? I had so many questions about how people learned, and what their biggest hurdles were when it came to throwing away their trash.
Methods
Methods
Methods
5 User Interviews with Seattle residents
5 User Interviews with Seattle residents
5 User Interviews with Seattle residents
Card sorting to understand how people group waste items
Card sorting to understand how people group waste items
Card sorting to understand how people group waste items
Competitor analysis of disposal tools and apps
Competitor analysis of disposal tools and apps
Competitor analysis of disposal tools and apps
competitor analysis.
competitor analysis.
competitor analysis.
Many of these apps had garbage day reminders but fell short in other features. RecycleIt, for example, contained moderate amounts of useful info but regularly redirected the user to an external source of information. RecycleCoach, and Scrapp had ways to look up disposal methods for a given item but would put the responsibility on the user to validate the information with their local regulations.
Many of these apps had garbage day reminders but fell short in other features. RecycleIt, for example, contained moderate amounts of useful info but regularly redirected the user to an external source of information. RecycleCoach, and Scrapp had ways to look up disposal methods for a given item but would put the responsibility on the user to validate the information with their local regulations.
Many of these apps had garbage day reminders but fell short in other features. RecycleIt, for example, contained moderate amounts of useful info but regularly redirected the user to an external source of information. RecycleCoach, and Scrapp had ways to look up disposal methods for a given item but would put the responsibility on the user to validate the information with their local regulations.
RECYCLE IT
REYCLECOACH
SCRAPP
card sorting.
card sorting.
card sorting.
20 Users were provided with a list of everyday objects and were asked to sort these cards based on material.
20 Users were provided with a list of everyday objects and were asked to sort these cards based on material.
20 Users were provided with a list of everyday objects and were asked to sort these cards based on material.
I needed to see how people naturally sorted out objects. It didn’t make sense to ask them where things got recycled or thrown in the garbage, because I already knew that people struggled with this. What I really wanted to explore was categorization for when people didn’t know what to do.
I needed to see how people naturally sorted out objects. It didn’t make sense to ask them where things got recycled or thrown in the garbage, because I already knew that people struggled with this. What I really wanted to explore was categorization for when people didn’t know what to do.
I needed to see how people naturally sorted out objects. It didn’t make sense to ask them where things got recycled or thrown in the garbage, because I already knew that people struggled with this. What I really wanted to explore was categorization for when people didn’t know what to do.
Here’s what I found
Here’s what I found
Here’s what I found
FINDING 1
Classification was highly dependent on the individual
Classification was highly dependent on the individual
Classification was highly dependent on the individual
Category agreement ranged from 27% - 65%, which told me that everyone understood things a little differently.
FINDING 2
Mixed or unknown materials were the least agreed upon
Mixed or unknown materials were the least agreed upon
Mixed or unknown materials were the least agreed upon
The items in this category are big pain points for users, and need a clear pathway to these items.
FINDING 3
People simply struggled to categorize anything out of the ordinary
People simply struggled to categorize anything out of the ordinary
People simply struggled to categorize anything out of the ordinary
I noticed a correlation. Every item that had the highest agreement were also items that are commonly recycled or composted.
user interviews.
user interviews.
user interviews.
Users get easily confused and overwhelmed by too many options and hunger for bite-sized answers
Users get easily confused and overwhelmed by too many options and hunger for bite-sized answers
Users get easily confused and overwhelmed by too many options and hunger for bite-sized answers
I interviewed 5 people who live in Seattle who wanted to be better at recycling. During the interview I asked questions to flush out where their biggest pain points were and what they felt was missing the most from currently available solutions. I launched FigJam to create an affinity map to better organize these thoughts.
I interviewed 5 people who live in Seattle who wanted to be better at recycling. During the interview I asked questions to flush out where their biggest pain points were and what they felt was missing the most from currently available solutions. I launched FigJam to create an affinity map to better organize these thoughts.
I interviewed 5 people who live in Seattle who wanted to be better at recycling. During the interview I asked questions to flush out where their biggest pain points were and what they felt was missing the most from currently available solutions. I launched FigJam to create an affinity map to better organize these thoughts.
Although users wanted a variety of options, they wanted the process to be simple, quick and straightforward. Every one learned about recycling differently and this was a major hurdle to overcome. Many folks were even skeptical of the impact recycling would and would often hold misconceptions.
Although users wanted a variety of options, they wanted the process to be simple, quick and straightforward. Every one learned about recycling differently and this was a major hurdle to overcome. Many folks were even skeptical of the impact recycling would and would often hold misconceptions.
Although users wanted a variety of options, they wanted the process to be simple, quick and straightforward. Every one learned about recycling differently and this was a major hurdle to overcome. Many folks were even skeptical of the impact recycling would and would often hold misconceptions.
What does it all mean?
What does it all mean?
What does it all mean?
FINDING 1
Knowledge on Recycling is Scattered
Culture and Location played a big impact, especially for those who grew up with very little reinforcement. Moving to Seattle increased their awareness, as Seattle has a lot of requirements for recycling.
FINDING 1
Knowledge on Recycling is Scattered
Culture and Location played a big impact, especially for those who grew up with very little reinforcement. Moving to Seattle increased their awareness, as Seattle has a lot of requirements for recycling.
FINDING 1
Knowledge on Recycling is Scattered
Culture and Location played a big impact, especially for those who grew up with very little reinforcement. Moving to Seattle increased their awareness, as Seattle has a lot of requirements for recycling.
FINDING 2
People Want Specific, Clear Guidance
Ambiguity is a major hurdle. Four participants specified that they struggled with items that don’t fit in neatly into the categories that King County provides. Most participants still need to Google or ask those around them clarifying questions about recyling.
FINDING 2
People Want Specific, Clear Guidance
Ambiguity is a major hurdle. Four participants specified that they struggled with items that don’t fit in neatly into the categories that King County provides. Most participants still need to Google or ask those around them clarifying questions about recyling.
FINDING 2
People Want Specific, Clear Guidance
Ambiguity is a major hurdle. Four participants specified that they struggled with items that don’t fit in neatly into the categories that King County provides. Most participants still need to Google or ask those around them clarifying questions about recyling.
FINDING 3
Skeptic and Discouraged
Participants voiced that they questioned the impact of recycling, hearing second hand that it ends up in landfill. They also voiced that they were overwhelmed with moral fatigue, especially when they were outside of the home or dealing with takeout containers.
FINDING 3
Skeptic and Discouraged
Participants voiced that they questioned the impact of recycling, hearing second hand that it ends up in landfill. They also voiced that they were overwhelmed with moral fatigue, especially when they were outside of the home or dealing with takeout containers.
FINDING 3
Skeptic and Discouraged
Participants voiced that they questioned the impact of recycling, hearing second hand that it ends up in landfill. They also voiced that they were overwhelmed with moral fatigue, especially when they were outside of the home or dealing with takeout containers.
FINDING 4
Sustainability Matters
Participants face a lot of hurdles when it comes to waste, but they were still very vocal about wanting to find ways to improve. Part of the issue is that the burden falls on the individual, and not on the big companies manufacturing endless amounts of plastic.
FINDING 4
Sustainability Matters
Participants face a lot of hurdles when it comes to waste, but they were still very vocal about wanting to find ways to improve. Part of the issue is that the burden falls on the individual, and not on the big companies manufacturing endless amounts of plastic.
FINDING 4
Sustainability Matters
Participants face a lot of hurdles when it comes to waste, but they were still very vocal about wanting to find ways to improve. Part of the issue is that the burden falls on the individual, and not on the big companies manufacturing endless amounts of plastic.
AFFINITY MAP
building empathy.
building empathy.
building empathy.
I started asking myself...
HOW MIGHT WE...
Simplify and streamline waste disposal guides?
HOW MIGHT WE...
Make sustainable practices effortless and accessible?
Using the data I synthesized, it was time to define our users.
Using the data I synthesized, it was time to define our users.
Using the data I synthesized, it was time to define our users.
Users primary pain point was the struggle to identify items - so I attacked this problem from two ends: an intelligent search and intelligent object recognition. Once a user was confident in what was in hand, all the was left was to make the next steps were easily digestible with a clear waste disposal destination.
Users primary pain point was the struggle to identify items - so I attacked this problem from two ends: an intelligent search and intelligent object recognition. Once a user was confident in what was in hand, all the was left was to make the next steps were easily digestible with a clear waste disposal destination.
Users primary pain point was the struggle to identify items - so I attacked this problem from two ends: an intelligent search and intelligent object recognition. Once a user was confident in what was in hand, all the was left was to make the next steps were easily digestible with a clear waste disposal destination.
prioritization.
prioritization.
prioritization.
Evaluating prioritization
Evaluating prioritization
Evaluating prioritization
Users primary pain point was the struggle to identify items - so I attacked this problem from two ends: an intelligent search and intelligent object recognition. Once a user was confident in what was in hand, all the was left was to make the next steps were easily digestible with a clear waste disposal destination.
Users primary pain point was the struggle to identify items - so I attacked this problem from two ends: an intelligent search and intelligent object recognition. Once a user was confident in what was in hand, all the was left was to make the next steps were easily digestible with a clear waste disposal destination.
Users primary pain point was the struggle to identify items - so I attacked this problem from two ends: an intelligent search and intelligent object recognition. Once a user was confident in what was in hand, all the was left was to make the next steps were easily digestible with a clear waste disposal destination.
RESULTS UI
AI CAMERA
AI SEARCH
RESULTS UI
AI CAMERA
AI SEARCH
RESULTS UI
AI CAMERA
AI SEARCH
information architecture.
information architecture.
information architecture.
WasteWise was built to support real-life moments when users are holding an item and need answers fast. The flow focuses on speed, clarity, and minimal interaction steps.
WasteWise was built to support real-life moments when users are holding an item and need answers fast. The flow focuses on speed, clarity, and minimal interaction steps.
WasteWise was built to support real-life moments when users are holding an item and need answers fast. The flow focuses on speed, clarity, and minimal interaction steps.
SITE MAP
USER FLOWS
branding.
branding.
branding.
Since AI is a key feature, I looked into different motifs and explored representations of it within design. I found that sparkles, wands, and crystal balls were common. Wands and crystal balls were mostly associated with generative AI, so sparkle fit in the best!
For the color scheme, I went with earthy neutral tones to remind the user of why we recycle: the earth.
Since AI is a key feature, I looked into different motifs and explored representations of it within design. I found that sparkles, wands, and crystal balls were common. Wands and crystal balls were mostly associated with generative AI, so sparkle fit in the best!
For the color scheme, I went with earthy neutral tones to remind the user of why we recycle: the earth.
Since AI is a key feature, I looked into different motifs and explored representations of it within design. I found that sparkles, wands, and crystal balls were common. Wands and crystal balls were mostly associated with generative AI, so sparkle fit in the best!
For the color scheme, I went with earthy neutral tones to remind the user of why we recycle: the earth.
wireframing.
wireframing.
wireframing.
Right off the bat, I sketched out designs that I was already familiar with. I was focused on building off of the flows I had mapped out, and connecting ideas together.
Right off the bat, I sketched out designs that I was already familiar with. I was focused on building off of the flows I had mapped out, and connecting ideas together.
Right off the bat, I sketched out designs that I was already familiar with. I was focused on building off of the flows I had mapped out, and connecting ideas together.
LO-FI SKETCHES
As I added more detail, the flow of the app matured into a more coherent idea.
As I added more detail, the flow of the app matured into a more coherent idea.
As I added more detail, the flow of the app matured into a more coherent idea.
MID-FI WIREFRAMES
pivoting.
pivoting.
pivoting.
This is where some major pivots happened, but also where the magic happened. The first thing to fix was the item page. In my mid-fi, I took what the "Where Does It Go?" website said, and filled it in.
That was a big mistake.
It was not easy to read through, and didn't solve the original problem. I took some inspiration from the visual hierarchy utilized on highly successful apps such as Redfin or Airbnb. This allowed me to represent a lot of information without exhausting the user.
I simplified the search bar and its categories to resemble more of a minimal and familiar aesthetic and function.
This is where some major pivots happened, but also where the magic happened. The first thing to fix was the item page. In my mid-fi, I took what the "Where Does It Go?" website said, and filled it in.
That was a big mistake.
It was not easy to read through, and didn't solve the original problem. I took some inspiration from the visual hierarchy utilized on highly successful apps such as Redfin or Airbnb. This allowed me to represent a lot of information without exhausting the user.
I simplified the search bar and its categories to resemble more of a minimal and familiar aesthetic and function.
This is where some major pivots happened, but also where the magic happened. The first thing to fix was the item page. In my mid-fi, I took what the "Where Does It Go?" website said, and filled it in.
That was a big mistake.
It was not easy to read through, and didn't solve the original problem. I took some inspiration from the visual hierarchy utilized on highly successful apps such as Redfin or Airbnb. This allowed me to represent a lot of information without exhausting the user.
I simplified the search bar and its categories to resemble more of a minimal and familiar aesthetic and function.
HI-FI MOCKUP
usability testing.
usability testing.
usability testing.
Four pillars of improvements to waste clarity
Four pillars of improvements to waste clarity
Four pillars of improvements to waste clarity
Users showed appreciation for the design and deep insights into what mattered to them. Based on their feedback it became clear that there will still ways to reduce confusion and refine the intuitive function of the app.
Users showed appreciation for the design and deep insights into what mattered to them. Based on their feedback it became clear that there will still ways to reduce confusion and refine the intuitive function of the app.
Users showed appreciation for the design and deep insights into what mattered to them. Based on their feedback it became clear that there will still ways to reduce confusion and refine the intuitive function of the app.
Changes
Changes
Changes
FINDING 1
Improve Clarity in Disposal Instructions
Improve Clarity in Disposal Instructions
Improve Clarity in Disposal Instructions
Every user expressed confusion for the Latex Paint page. They needed clarity in final steps, which was to throw away in the garbage. Also to emphasize wet vs dry paint, and take out the optional drop-off location to reduce confusion.
FINDING 2
Refine Search Category Flow
Refine Search Category Flow
Refine Search Category Flow
During the design process, I hadn't implemented subcategories yet. In the usability testing, it was apparent just how necessary it was. There also needed to be instructions on using the categories in the first home page.
FINDING 3
Improve Camera Confidence in Users
Improve Camera Confidence in Users
Improve Camera Confidence in Users
Users still lacked confidence in the camera. They asked, “how does it know that my coffee cup is recyclable? There’s a lid on it.” There needed to be a way for the camera to ask these types of clarifying questions to the user when it doesn’t know.
FINDING 4
Reduce White Space to Cue Scrolling
Reduce White Space to Cue Scrolling
Reduce White Space to Cue Scrolling
Some users didn’t realize they could scroll, and were frustrated when trying to understand the items.
reiterating.
reiterating.
reiterating.
Improve Clarity in Disposal Instructions
Improve Clarity in Disposal Instructions
Improve Clarity in Disposal Instructions
✔️
✔️
✔️
Reduce White Space to Cue Scrolling
Reduce White Space to Cue Scrolling
Reduce White Space to Cue Scrolling
✔️
✔️
✔️
Refine Search Category Flow
Refine Search Category Flow
Refine Search Category Flow
✔️
✔️
✔️
Improve Camera Confidence in Users
Improve Camera Confidence in Users
Improve Camera Confidence in Users
✔️
prototype.
reflection.
reflection.
reflection.
Lessons in Simplicity
This project taught me that simplicity isn’t just good design — it’s essential design. I learned how powerful visual hierarchy can be when it helps users make quick, confident decisions in overwhelming moments. One of the things I’m most proud of is taking dense, instructional content from the “Where Does It Go?” website and transforming it into clear, bite-sized guidance.
Moving Forward
The next steps for WasteWise diving deeper into helping users have impact towards sustainability through knowledge. There are many ways to go about this, but some early concepts include articles, reminders, or even notifications when regulations change. It will all depend on what we find out the users need.
WANNA SEE IT AGAIN?
KEEP EXPLORING!
WANNA SEE IT AGAIN?
KEEP EXPLORING!