ECO
Praise Mechanism For User Retention Through Gamification
Why?
Introducing Eco, a platform that seeks to serve as a source of motivation and encourage the habit of recycling within university students using credit reward systems.
People have a natural affinity for rewards, as they appreciate recognition for their actions. However, praise may lose its authenticity when it's given without any effort or contribution on their part, even for the smallest of tasks. The platform leverages the power of praise and reward systems to drive significant environmental and social impact.
This was a self-initiated project I started out of curiosity and a desire to explore design concepts more deeply. I wanted to solve a real problem I noticed in my environment — something that felt close to home and worth designing for.
Concepts Explored:
GAMIFICATION
PRAISE MECHANISMS
REWARD SYSTEMS
COLOR THEORY
Role:
Solo Product Designer
FIRST DRAFT
How did Eco work?
The first iteration was a huge bust! Yes. Fortunately, I quickly realized the problem. I was trying to imitate what other platforms had done and that was where I got it wrong.
Eco's First Draft
Main Problems
⚠️ Colors were way too harsh.
⚠️ Major focus on communities rather than the goal of the product (to track collected waste).
⚠️ No clear product direction / flows (a whole bunch of nothing)
💡How did people efficiently dispose waste in other countries?
In my theoretical research, I discovered that implementing reverse vending machines (RVMs) can significantly enhance recycling efforts. For instance, a study indicated that areas equipped with RVMs collected approximately 21% more PET bottles compared to those relying solely on traditional waste collection methods.
" A reverse vending machine is an automated device that accepts used beverage containers, such as plastic bottles and aluminum cans, and rewards users with incentives like cash, coupons, or digital credits. "
Reverse Vending Machines For Pet Bottles
SECOND DRAFT
What did I do differently?
For the second draft, I opted for brighter colors, and the incorporating the use of these RVMs (Reverse Vending Machines). A clear concise flow mapped out and ideas limited to at most four clear pages. I still faced issues that took me back to the drawing board.
Eco's First Draft
Main Problems
⚠️ The machine is unavailable within the University presently. Costs around $5000 - $10,000
⚠️ The new flow had more focus on the goal but was executed poorly as scanning waste was almost impossible.
⚠️ Lack of detailed information about waste collection. The flow still needed work.
FINAL DRAFT?
I tried another means… Maybe final?
The second draft worked, yes. But it still needed work. It really did. The machines I proposed were high cost and seemed like a huge expense for the University. Cost ranged from $5000 - $10,000 for a basic one. I had to opt for a manual way to dispose waste
Eco's First Draft
Recent Solution
💡 Proposed a better way for users to efficiently count and display the credit system Eco uses in detail.
💡 Colors were much more harmonious and user friendly.
💡 Adding an introductory text "Hi Mark!…recycling today" gave a clearer understanding of what the product was to be used for.
💡 Tracking becomes manual — managed by a personnel at waste disposal points.
