WasteWise - An App Case Study
Faith Awokunle
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Posted Mar 29, 2025
WasteWise will improve citizens' lifestyles through efficient waste management, gamified rewards, and increased recycling participation.
Project Overview
WasteWise is a digital platform concept designed to modernize how communities, cities, and private institutions manage waste. Built with clarity, scalability, and real-world utility in mind, the system focuses on visibility, accountability, and environmental responsibility.
The Challenge
Waste management systems today are plagued by inefficiencies: disconnected tools, lack of real-time data, and low public engagement.
Key pain points we set out to address:
No centralized view of waste data
Difficult reporting and tracking
Limited actionable insights for residents or city officials
The Opportunity
A data-driven digital system like WasteWise could bridge these gaps, providing a single source of truth for all stakeholders while promoting behavioral change through smart design.
Design Process
Waste management systems today are plagued by inefficiencies: disconnected tools, lack of real-time data, and low public engagement.
Key pain points we set out to address:
No centralized view of waste data
Difficult reporting and tracking
Limited actionable insights for residents or city officials
Research & Discovery
While the design was not driven by field research (as this was a conceptual client brief), the process was grounded in insights from the waste tech space and UX best practices:
Stakeholder Interviews: Hypothetical insights based on assumed goals of city officials, sustainability teams, and residents
Comparative Analysis: Studied existing platforms like Recycle Coach, Rubicon, and government dashboards
Pain Points Identified
Users don’t know how much they waste
Systems don’t show impact or trends
There’s no immediate feedback on actions
Ideation & Planning
Mapped key user journeys: from a resident checking their recycling stats to a city admin monitoring system-wide efficiency
Prioritized clarity and usability: What would make users return weekly? What information actually changes behavior?
Design Process
Key Design Elements & Features
Minimalist Layout: The design utilizes a clean and minimalist aesthetic that avoids clutter. Ample white space and a structured grid system direct the user’s attention to key information.
Color Palette: A carefully chosen color scheme not only aligns with environmental themes (greens, blues) but also differentiates data categories effectively. High contrast elements ensure readability and visual hierarchy.
Typography & Iconography: Thoughtful typography choices enhance legibility, while custom icons and subtle animations contribute to an engaging, modern interface.
Key Screens
Conclusion
The WasteWise project exemplifies a world-class approach to design that marries sustainability with technology. Through a user-centered design process, robust visual strategies, and an eye for future growth, WasteWise stands as a promising solution in the waste management space. It not only meets current challenges but also lays a strong foundation for continuous innovation and broader environmental impact.
This case study demonstrates how thoughtful design can drive meaningful change, transforming complex data into actionable insights and ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.