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YouCan
UI / UX | User Research | User Testing | Prototyping | 2023 | 15 weeks
YouCan is the app for transforming recycling habits, sharing sustainable practices, and creating a greener future. It's designed to make can recycling accessible and appealing through easy-to-use features, educational content, and community engagement. Make the most of your recycling efforts, learn about environmental impact, and connect with a community committed to sustainability!
Project info
Product goal
To make can recycling accessible and appealing for everyone.
Business goal
Businesses such as local governments, environmental organizations, and recycling centers can benefit by using the app to increase recycling rates, improve environmental sustainability, and enhance their community presence.
Problem
How might we encourage more people to recycle cans effectively?
Process
The process started with research to define the problem, user goals, and challenges. User personas and scenarios were created, followed by testing and iterations to make the final design.
Solution
What if we created a convenient and easy to use system, that simplified the whole recycling experience and proved how effortlessly you can get involved?
Discover, Find and Recycle!
Latest News
Home
Recycle
Community
Learn
Earn Points With
Can Recycling
Cans are recyclable, but our world is not. Make an impact by recycling cans. The best part? You will earn points and get rewards.
Key features
See more
Find close-by recycling facilities in our recycling-map.
Learn how to recycle.
search for a recycling facility
Connect with others and help us build a recycling community.
See more
Learn more
Scan
1020 Bush Street, San Francisco
List
Map
Search . Current Location
Recycling Points
Home
Recycle
Learn
Community
Scan
List
Map
Recycling Points
Eddy Recycling
Direction
Always open
1944 Eddy Street (0.3 miles)
Fulton Recycling
Direction
Always open
1944 Fulton Street (0.7 miles)
Eddy Recycling
Direction
Always open
1944 Sutter Street (0.9 miles)
Search . Current Location
Sort distance
Community
Learn
Scan
Recycle
Home
The Process
Let's explore the various stages of the project, from the initial concept to the final outcome.
EMPATHIZE
Understand user’s needs through research.
DEFINE
Problem statement based on user insights.
DESIGN
The creation of visual designs, including tests improving
the system.
THE CAMPAIGN
The final design system of the campaign.
Prototype
Press the phone to check out the prototype.
Perfecting the way you recycle your cans
This project confronts a widespread lack of awareness and limited access to can recycling, leading to low engagement. The main challenge is figuring out how to effectively encourage more people to recycle. The YouCan app is designed to tackle this by providing clear information and easy tools to increase recycling, reinforcing our dedication to environmental care and building a community committed to sustainable actions.
2023
Lead Designer
The Process
Let's explore the various stages of the project, from the initial concept to the final outcome.
2023
Lead Designer
I want to recycle my cans, but I'm lost on where to start or where to take them. It feels like there should be a simple solution, but I just haven't found it yet.
02/28-23, Sara Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
“I don’t want to study at home, but I never know where to go.”
03/15/23, Johanna Leth,
Engineering Student, UCSF San Francisco
image: Viktoria Leth
I'd recycle if there were bins closer to where I live or study, but I actually have no idea where they are.
03/03-23, Maria Larsson,
Student at UNOH living on campus.
I want to recycle my cans, but I'm lost on where to start or where to take them. It feels like there should be a simple solution, but I just haven't found it yet.
02/28-23, Sara Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
I want to recycle my cans, but I'm lost on where to start or where to take them. It feels like there should be a simple solution, but I just haven't found it yet.
02/28-23, Sara Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
Defining the user
The target audience is tech-savvy college students and young adults in urban areas who value sustainability. They prefer convenient recycling solutions that align with their fast-paced lifestyle and are engaged through digital platforms and educational content that highlights easy, actionable recycling steps.
Resource Article: Why students are struggling to find study spots
2023
Lead Designer
"I want to recycle, but it needs to fit seamlessly into my day. Convenience
is key”
"I want to recycle, but it needs to fit seamlessly into my day. Convenience
is key”
Tilda
The Quiet Achiever
Image
Motivation
Efficiency
Time
Freedom
Money Growth
Personality
Eric Parker, a 20-year-old college athlete, struggles to fit recycling into his busy sports schedule. He needs efficient solutions to manage his environmental goals alongside his sports commitments.
What's the purpose of recycling cans?
Key Areas to understand
Why should young people recycle?
Where can they recycle?
What are some current tools young adults are using to recycle?
What are the main problems young adults are facing today that prevent them from recycling?
Why do young people want to save money?
Where does most of a young adult's money go?
What are some current tools young adults are using to manage their money?
What are the main problems young adults are facing today that prevent them from managing their money?
Why do young people want to save money?
Where does most of a young adult's money go?
What are some current tools young adults are using to manage their money?
What are the main problems young adults are facing today that prevent them from managing their money?
Why should we recycle cans?
100%
Metal can be recycled.
92%
Of the material is used for new materials.
95%
Of recycled cans turn into new cans.
Consumer Recycling Rate
Consumer Recycling Rate
The highest recycling rate of all recycling material. For example, it is twice as high as the PET-bottle recycling rate. This rate measures the amount of aluminum can scrap recycled domestically as a percentage of cans available for recycling in the United States.
Value of material
Value of material
$800 million could be saved every year if all aluminum cans were recycled.
Recycled content
Recycled content
Aluminum cans stand only for 3% of the weight of all recycled material, which makes them economically efficient. Also, the low energy requirement for producing aluminum from recycled material—just 5% compared to new aluminum—significantly reduces the can's environmental footprint.
Why don't we recycle cans?
In my survey, 70% of participants uses aluminum cans several times a week, but only 50% recycle them.
The top 5 reasons for not recycling are:
In my survey, 70% of participants uses aluminum cans several times a week, but only 50% recycle them. The top 5 reasons for not recycling are:
44%
If friends or roommates don't recycle, I don’t either.
Busy schedules lead to prioritizing convenience over sustainability.
Absence of easily accessible recycling bins.
Absence of easily accessible recycling bins.
82%
Throws everything into the same bin out of routine.
Throws everything into the same bin out of routine.
75%
Not knowing where or how to recycle.
60%
Busy schedules lead to prioritizing convenience over sustainability.
58%
Link to questionnaire Link to results
Absence of easily accessible recycling bins.
Throws everything into the same bin out of routine.
Not knowing where or how to recycle.
Busy schedules lead to prioritizing convenience over sustainability.
If friends or roommates don't recycle, I don’t either.
44%
58%
60%
75%
82%
The Problem
As a user, I want a convenient and straightforward way to recycle my cans.
Resource Article: Why students are struggling to find study spots
2023
Lead Designer
As a user, I want to stay on the same platform when searching for recycling bins and plan my recycling activities from there.
As a user, I lack the time or motivation to search for accessible recycling locations.
As a user, I want to know more about a recycling spot, like its location and features, before deciding to go there.
The Problem
As a user, I want a convenient and straightforward way to recycle my cans.
2023
Lead Designer
Learnings based on research
Most people are aware that the lack of recycling is a huge problem in our society, considering the environmental impact and the potential for resource conservation. However, we don’t do it. Why?
Study conducted: Spring 2023, 20 participants
2023
Lead Designer
Convinience
Participants need more easily accessible recycling bins.
Bad Routines
Participants need a tool that helps them to change their bad routines.
Recycling Uncertainty
Participants need a tool that can educate them how and why to recycle.
Bad Influence
Participants need to influence one another to have more sustainable behaviors.
EMPATHIZE
Understand user’s needs through research.
DEFINE
Problem statement based on user insights.
DESIGN
The creation of visual designs, including tests improving
the system.
THE CAMPAIGN
The final design system of the campaign.
Wireframes and components
With all the research and info I gathered, it was time to start designing the app's crucial parts, like the main recycling info section and the community page. I thought about the different situations users might be in when using the app, whether they're in a hurry, on the bus, studying, or just relaxing at home, to make sure the app's design works well for them in any scenario.
Medium Fidelity Wireframes
Initial skteches
Feedback from user
During the design process, I consistently conducted user testing to gather feedback and observe user interactions with the product. In summary, most of the feedback had to do with time and convenience. For example, to make the search function even more convenient and easily accessible, I realized it was better to move down the search bar so that it is easier to reach.
"The search bar is hard to reach, so to save time it should be more easily accessible.”
03/16-23, Sara Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
Component Library
Typography
The typography represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
Color Palette
The colors represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and ease.
Icons
The icons represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz1234567890-=!@#$%^&*()_+
#101823
#05A172
#ED7B5F
#EE8F66
#FAFAFA
Urbanist Bold Urbanist Medium
Urbanist Regular Urbanist Light
Logo
The logo represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and balance.
Icons
The icons represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
Color Palette
The colors represents what my brand is all about - simplicity, positivity and optimism.
Logo
The logo includes the well recognized recycling arrow symbol, but has a special leaf-design to make it more unique.
Typography
The typography represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
1234567890-=!@#$%^&*()_+
Urbanist Light
Urbanist Regular
Urbanist Medium
Urbanist Bold
#000000
##FEF5F2
#EE8F66
#ED7B5F
#05A172
Key Functionalities
Let's get a peek of the key functionalities in the app.
2023
Lead Designer
FIND
Find close-by recycling facilities in our recycling-map.
LEARN
Learn how to recycle.
CONNECT
Connect with others and help us create a recycling community.
Final Design
PDF Case Study Mobile Prototype
Takeaways
When I made YouCan, I knew that convenience is key. A simple and clean design helps users use the app easily and quickly. Clear visuals are also important because they help users save time by presenting financial information in a clear way. By providing users with easy accessible recycling maps, and a clear learning system, YouCan educate users how effortlessly you can get involved in our can recycling community.
2023
Lead Designer
Next project
EduGuide - AI-assisted major selection.
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YouCan
UI / UX | User Research | User Testing | Prototyping | 2023 | 15 weeks
YouCan is the app for transforming recycling habits, sharing sustainable practices, and creating a greener future. It's designed to make can recycling accessible and appealing through easy-to-use features, educational content, and community engagement. Make the most of your recycling efforts, learn about environmental impact, and connect with a community committed to sustainability!
Project info
Product goal
To make can recycling accessible and appealing for everyone.
Business goal
Businesses such as local governments, environmental organizations, and recycling centers can benefit by using the app to increase recycling rates, improve environmental sustainability, and enhance their community presence.
Problem
How might we encourage more people to recycle cans effectively?
Process
The process started with research to define the problem, user goals, and challenges. User personas and scenarios were created, followed by testing and iterations to make the final design.
Solution
What if we created a convenient and easy to use system, that simplified the whole recycling experience and proved how effortlessly you can get involved?
What's the purpose of recycling cans?
Key Areas to Understand
Why do young people want to save money?
Where does most of a young adult's money go?
What are some current tools young adults are using to manage their money?
What are the main problems young adults are facing today that prevent them from managing their money?
Why don't we recycle cans?
Perfecting the way you recycle your cans
Finding a good place to study can be hard and take a lot of time. StuSpot makes it easier by helping you find study spots that match your needs. My goal for the app was to create a simple design that makes it easy for everyone to find the right place to focus. Let’s hear what some students think about their study habits and preferences.
2023
Lead Designer
Defining the user
Urban and tech-savvy students aged 18-30, primarily undergraduates and graduates, seek cost-effective and efficient study solutions. They value convenience, utilize digital tools for information and networking, and are keen on innovative approaches to meet their social and study needs.
Resource Article: Why students are struggling to find study spots
2023
Lead Designer
Learnings based on research
Most people are aware that the lack of recycling is a huge problem in our society, considering the environmental impact and the potential for resource conservation. However, we don’t do it. Why?
Study conducted: Spring 2023, 38 participants
2023
Lead Designer
Eric
The Busy One
Image
Motivation
Efficiency
Time
Freedom
Money Growth
"I want to recycle, but it needs to fit seamlessly into my day. Convenience
is key”
Personality
Eric Parker, a 20-year-old college athlete, struggles to fit recycling into his busy sports schedule. He needs efficient solutions to manage his environmental goals alongside his sports commitments.
Convinience
Participants need more easily accessible recycling bins.
Recycling Uncertainty
Participants need a tool that can educate them how and why to recycle.
Bad Routines
Participants need a tool that helps them to change their bad routines.
Bad Influence
Participants need to influence one another to have more sustainable behaviors.
Wireframes and components
With all the research and info I gathered, it was time to start designing the app's crucial parts, like the main recycling info section and the community page. I thought about the different situations users might be in when using the app, whether they're in a hurry, on the bus, studying, or just relaxing at home, to make sure the app's design works well for them in any scenario.
Initial skteches
Medium fidelity wireframes
Feedback from user
During the design process, I consistently conducted user testing to gather feedback and observe user interactions with the product. In summary, most of the feedback had to do with time and convenience. For example, to make the search function even more convenient and easily accessible, I realized it was better to move down the search bar so that it is easier to reach.
Feedback from user
During the design process, I consistently conducted user testing to gather feedback and observe user interactions with the product. In summary, most of the feedback had to do with time and convenience. For example, to make the search function even more convenient and easily accessible, I realized it was better to move down the search bar so that it is easier to reach.
"The search bar is hard to reach, so to save time it should be more easily accessible.”
03/16-23, Sara Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
Component Library
Typography
The typography represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
Color Palette
The colors represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and ease.
Icons
The icons represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz1234567890-=!@#$%^&*()_+
#101823
#05A172
#ED7B5F
#EE8F66
Urbanist Bold Urbanist Medium
Urbanist Regular Urbanist Light
The logo represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and balance.
Logo
#EE8F66
Final Design
PDF Case Study
Mobile Prototype
Takeaways
When I made YouCan, I knew that convenience is key. A simple and clean design helps users use the app easily and quickly. Clear visuals are also important because they help users save time by presenting financial information in a clear way. By providing users with easy accessible recycling maps, and a clear learning system, YouCan educate users how effortlessly you can get involved in our can recycling community.
2023
Lead Designer
Key Functionalities
Let's get a peek of the key functionalities in the app.
2023
Lead Designer
FIND
Find close-by recycling facilities in our recycling-map.
FIND
Find close-by recycling facilities in our recycling-map.
LEARN
Learn how to recycle.
CONNECT
Connect with others and help us create a recycling community.
In my survey, 70% of participants uses aluminum cans several times a week, but only 50% recycle them.
The top 5 reasons for not recycling are:
Throws everything into the same bin out of routine.
Absence of easily accessible recycling bins.
Not knowing where or how to recycle.
Busy schedules lead to prioritizing convenience over sustainability.
If friends or roommates don't recycle, I don’t either.
44%
58%
60%
75%
82%
Link to my questionnaire Link to results
Key Functionalities
Let's get a peek of the key functionalities in the app.
2023
Lead Designer
FIND
Participants need more easily accessible recycling bins.
LEARN
Participants need a tool that can educate them how and why to recycle.
CONNECT
Participants need a tool that helps them to change their bad routines.