Overview
SCAD Human Factors class was prompted to create a design solution to a problem using IoT (The Internet of Things.)
Project Description
Over a duration of 8 weeks, my teammates and I worked to solve food waste. Food waste is an ever-increasing problem in the United States. Despite being a possible solution, composting is often underutilized.
How can composting be made more accessible and scaleable through IoT?
Meet the team
click their names to view their websites
Emma Waters : Strategy / Interface Design
Hugo Pereira : Research / Video Director / 3D Modeling
Kajal Boghara : Research / Visual Design
2019 Indigo Design Awards – Bronze in UX, Interface & Navigation Category
Food waste is an ever-increasing problem in the US.
Despite being a possible solution, composting is often underutilized.
How can composting be made more accessible and scalable through IoT?
The different methods of composting ...
Anaerobic (Bokashi)
Longer, some costs, low effort.
Aerobic (Common)
Most common. Longer, cheaper, medium effort, produces heat.
Worms
Fastest but greatest cost and upkeep produces little heat.
What services are out there now...
Washington D.C.
The D.C. area’s “Compost Cab” will drive to your house and collect your compostable organic waste – for $32 per month. Included in that price are the start-up costs. The company gives new customers a composting kit that includes a collection bin, a compostable liner, and a composting guide. Twice a year, customers get a share of the soil created from all that waste.
New York City
NYC has the biggest organic collection program in the US: The biggest challenges have been repurposing collection routes, finding space both far and close enough to the cities for the composting facilities, businesses willing to invest in composting facilities without an assured stream of organic material, most expensive part of the program is collection; resident participation is key to reducing costs
San Francisco
In 2009, an ordinance made it mandatory for SF residents to sort organics. Instead of two bins to set out on the curb for trash and recyclables, there are now three. The green compost bins can include a wide variety from spoiled foods to waxy paper products. Now SF manages to use 78% of its waste elsewhere other than sending it to landfills. The composting facilities produce fertilizers that are sold to farms, tree nurseries, and to the general public.
User insights...
How might we...
incentivize, simplify, and educate individuals on composting by harnessing the power of IoT technology?
We designed for...
Doesn’t have time or space for composting, but has a general interest in making the world a better place.
Would like to use the benefits of composting, but is limited by space.
Has the means to compost, but not enough scraps to turn into compost whether done by a composting facility or an individual.
Would like to help feed people who are starving in the community but have a hard time gathering enough food.
Concept
Our purpose is to utilize the power of connection to work together to solve a problem we face daily, food waste.
We connect the average food consumer to those with the resources to compost, to the shelter in need, the community garden that lacks the space and resources to compost, or maybe the gardening mom looking for some extra nutritious growth… In return, the average consumer can now earn a profit, gain some insight, and spark positive change.
Wireframes (click to see image)
Final Product
ReScrap is a platform that connects and enhances existing services of collection, donation, composting, and energy generation by using the Internet of Things to maximize the efficiency and ROI (Return on Investment) of the composting process and empower users so that they can be more proactive and ultimately reduce their wasteful habits.
IoT Sensors
A
C
D
B
A
Smart Bin Adapter
The smart bin adapter has a hook (A) that allows users to weigh their scraps so that they can be sold to a composting partner for a profit based on the weight of it. This makes it easier to figure out costs. The sensor also has an image recognition camera (B) to check to see if their food could be donated before it goes into the scrap bin. The bendable suction band (C) allows for the sensor to fit around any type of bin surface which makes it adaptable. Lastly, it has a screen (D) to give feedback to the users.
Compost Sensor
The compost sensors allow users to keep track of their scraps during the composting process. It has an LED indicator (A) to maintain the correct levels during the composting process. There is also a status screen (B) to see the different stages of the process. For the sensor to connect to the app we put in a Bluetooth sensor (C) to show the data in the app. To help the sensor get the best readings we created an extension rod (D) that lets the sensor stand in the middle of the compost. Lastly, at the bottom are all the different sensors needed for the composting process like a thermal, humidity, and chemical (O2, NPK) sensor (E).
E
A
B
C
D
Smart Vehicle Sensor
The smart vehicle sensor has GPS tracking to let users know where the vehicle is. It also has a weight sensor to let the buyer know how much to. expect when scraps are being delivered.
App Features
Selling Scraps
We created a seamless experience that lets users sell their composting scraps to people who have the means to compost. The sensor weighs the scraps to see how much it costs then pairs you with a buyer that wants your scraps. As users sell their scraps the home page shows a progression of the impact they are making by selling their scraps.
ReSrcap gives buyers an easier way to find people selling their scraps. It gives them information about the density, pH levels, and the cost of their scraps. To show the buyer their impact the home page shows the progress of all of their purchases.
Buying Scraps
Donating Food
ReScrap's smart bin adapter uses its image recognition camera to check to see if the food is wholesome. If so it gives users the ability to donate their scraps a shelters or other organizations that need food to feed their people.
ReScrap Prototype
ReScrap Poster
click image to view
Process
