Pick & Choose
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Ecokaari
Project duration
2 weeks
Platform
Application and Hardware
Collabrators (1)
Shanmugha Sundaram
Project Type
Technology Integration Project
Overview
Pune based NGO
EcoKaari employs an eco-friendly approach to transform discarded plastic into exquisite handcrafted fabrics using traditional tools such as the Charkha (spindle) and Handloom. These unique textiles are skillfully handwoven by women and young individuals from underprivileged backgrounds.
Ecokaari's mission is to fuse the rich tradition of Indian craftsmanship with modern design concepts, offering sustainable alternatives through the creation of contemporary designs using our UPCYCLED-HANDWOVEN fabrics.
Requirement
Ecokaari, reliant on donated plastics and materials from rag pickers, grapples with inefficient manual sorting. They seek an affordable solution for labor-intensive, time-consuming sorting, including biohazardous plastics.
This project is dedicated to proposing innovative waste plastic segregation concepts, aiming to address these multifaceted challenges and support Ecokaari's mission for a more sustainable environment.
Methodology & Research tools
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Contextual Inquiry
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Personal Interviews (15)
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Competitor Analysis
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Trait Mapping / Benchmarking
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Scenario generation
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Persona generation
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User testing
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Sequence Model
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Flow model
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Cultural Model
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Artifact Model
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Online surveys
Problem
Statement
Ecokaari is seeking a cost-effective solution to optimize their plastic segregation process, aimed at reducing the workload on their staff. This challenge is further complicated by the intricacies of plastic upcycling, which is limited to specific types, leading to the disposal of unrecyclable or low-quality plastics.
Additionally, the time-consuming task of color-based segregation adds to the labor-intensive nature of the process. Of utmost concern is the accurate segregation of biohazardous plastics from the donated assortment, highlighting the necessity for public awareness about the associated risks.
Challanges & Vulnerabilities
The informal recycling sector in India plays a vital and often unrecognized role in handling and recycling various types of waste, including plastic waste.
This sector is composed of individuals, often referred to as "ragpickers," and small-scale recyclers who operate without formal contracts or employment in the waste management industry.
Artisan's training period is notably extensive, which reflects a significant investment of time and effort in skill development.
Unfortunately, within the artisan community, working with plastic is often viewed with less prestige or regard.
The process of segregating plastic waste demands the full workforce's attention in the workshop, resulting in a temporary halt in production during those days.
This interruption in production poses financial challenges for the settlement or organization, as it disrupts the regular income flow.
Workers in the informal recycling sector often face challenging working conditions, including exposure to health hazards and inadequate safety measures.
They are also vulnerable to exploitation due to the lack of formal employment contracts and social protections.
EcoKaari faces its most significant challenge in sorting plastic based on color and hygiene standards, highlighting the crucial issue of segregation in their recycling process.
8
Boxes of Plastic
takes up to
24
Hours
to segregate
Extended segregation time increases associated costs, directly raising product manufacturing expenses and consequently its retail price.
Longer segregation leads to greater financial investment, ultimately resulting in a higher product cost passed on to consumers.
73%
Buyers found the product
Expensive
Derived questions
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How can the segregating process be made faster ?
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How can the chances of contamination be reduced via bio-hazardous waste while segregating plastic?
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How can our design intervention bring monetary advantages to the NGO?
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How can the pricing of their product be supported and regulated to sell more?
These questions were the crux of my research going forward, which I've explored further in the project.
Solution &
Interventions
After exploring various hardware and software concepts, our team has devised a solution that combines both domains. We introduce the 'Pick & Choose' application, which efficiently manages an automated plastic segregator, considering plastic moisture and color.
We successfully developed a prototype within specified constraints, enabling the segregation of plastic into wet and dry compartments for user testing.
This solution significantly reduces Ecokaari's segregation time, labor requirements, manufacturing costs, and enhances employee safety by preventing contamination.
Research &
Methodology
​A diverse range of research methods and tools were employed to conceptualize and develop these ideas, culminating in a dependable solution. Comprehensive research, including data analysis, prototype testing, and iterative design processes, played a pivotal role in the formation of our innovative solution, 'Pick & Choose,' for plastic segregation at Ecokaari
All the images are high-resolution, please feel free to zoom in.
10 Questions 30 Participants
Online Surveys
Findings
We showcased a product from EcoKaari to potential buyers, and the results indicated that 73% of respondents found the price to be on the higher side.
These insights were gathered from a diverse group of individuals. Interestingly, a significant majority expressed a willingness to invest in eco-friendly products, even at a premium. However, the consensus was that the price of
Rs. 2000 seemed a bit steep.
​
In response to this feedback, we presented the data to the Ecokaari manager, who in turn provided valuable context regarding the pricing strategy. It was explained that the higher price point was due to the time-intensive nature of the segregation process.
Insights from the Interviews conducted with Ecokaari team
Eco-Friendly Processes:
At EcoKaari, we were introduced to their meticulous step-by-step processes, where they prioritize eco-friendliness in every aspect of their operations.
Notably, even their cleaning and sanitization procedures are carried out using sheeyakai, showcasing their commitment to sustainability.
Recruitment Struggles:
The manager shed light on a persistent issue they encounter – retaining newly trained recruits. Many local artisans, after months of training, tend to leave their positions due to personal reasons. Finding suitable replacements remains a continuous challenge for EcoKaari.
Challenges Faced by Artisans:
We discovered the challenges that artisans face in their profession. In some communities, weaving is viewed as an unskilled, low-status occupation, leading to societal stigmas.
Moreover, artisans predominantly work with plastics, despite thorough cleaning, which is often associated with working with waste materials. Learning the art of plastic weaving is demanding, and many artisans bear the responsibility of providing for their families.
Artisan Insights:
We had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the daily lives of the talented artisans at EcoKaari.
Additionally, we explored the intricacies of their inventory management systems, which are vital in maintaining their high-quality products. We also learned about their corporate orders, including partnerships with major companies like Nestle for bulk orders, highlighting the growing demand for their eco-friendly products.​
Cultural Model
Competitor Analysis
The targeted user group lies at the center of the map, with direct competitors in the outer circle and indirect competitors in the outermost circle, completing the map
Trait Mapping
The table shows various features and functionalities that the primary and secondary competitors have to offer
Artisan Persona
Mithila Kashinath
40 years old | Female | Wife | Mother of two | From Patnapur, Maharashtra
About
Munamma, the family's main provider, dedicates 8-9 hours daily at an NGO for plastic recycling, longing for improved compensation despite her passion.
Needs
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Steady job and employemnt
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Health care provided via NGO
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Have a respectable job in the society
Skills
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Knows how to operate a hand loom.
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Knows unique weaves.
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Knowledge of local and sustainable products.
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Knows the unique way to use plastic as warp and weft.
Pain
Points
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Segregating unhygenic pasltic waste.
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Running risk of contamination via Bio-hazardous waste
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Low respect in society as her job is looked down upon
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Training period is very long.
This conceptual application plays a pivotal role in facilitating the functionality of P&C's hardware. Its user-friendly interface empowers users to effortlessly segregate plastic waste by color and moisture. Seamlessly controlled through both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, it offers a comprehensive solution for efficient waste management.
Pick & Choose
This is a concept hardware made by our team.
This device helps Ecokaari to segregate plastic on the basis of colour by image recognition and makes sure that plastic waste that is hazardous or wet doesn't get mixed up with the segregated plastic.
What does it do?
Conditions
Sign In/Up
Set up
This is a step by step guide for a new user to learn how to connect his device with the 'Pick&Choose' application and hardware.
Dashboard
Unit Details
The screen displays the unit's capacity, the selected plastic color, provides a comprehensive overview of unit statistics, and highlights any errors that may occur.
Hardware prototype
This small-scale prototype demonstrates the concept. In industries, powerful infrared sensors detect plastic types, kickers segregate them, and blowers separate lighter plastics.
Recycling systems use conveyor belts with mixed waste, and an optical device diffracts specific wavelengths across the sensor, allowing it to acquire multiple wavelengths simultaneously.
How it works?
An Arduino setup comprises 2 inputs (an IR sensor and Aluminum foil) and 1 output (a servo motor). The IR sensor detects objects on the foil, while the foil detects electricity conduction between its sheets when a wet object connects them.
This setup distinguishes between conductivity and non-conductivity, dictating servo motor rotation in the code.
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Arduino UNO
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Aluminum foil
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Servo motor
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IR Obstacle detection sensor
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Wires
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Breadboard
Condition 1: When the IR sensor detects an object, but there is no electrical current passing through the aluminum foil, it indicates "dry waste." In other words, the object is not wet.
Condition 2: When both the IR sensor detects an object and there is electrical current passing through the aluminum foil, it indicates "wet waste."This means the object is wet or contains moisture.
If neither of these conditions is met, the motor remains in its default position.
The aluminum foil is positioned on top of a rotating plate that moves with the motor's rotation. This setup helps segregate plastic waste based on whether it's dry or wet.
Circuit Diagram
Making of it
In conclusion, this prototype was developed under budgetary constraints and resource limitations, crafted by a dedicated team of two individuals. Its primary aim was to serve as a reference tool and to facilitate our research journey.
However, it is important to note that this prototype carries inherent limitations. With access to improved resources and advanced technology, there is ample potential for future enhancements and refinements.
My
learnings
This project has been a tremendous learning experience for me. Firstly, I've realized the critical role of user research, using a variety of tools to delve into user needs and behaviors. I've also discovered that UX extends beyond digital interfaces; it profoundly impacts how users interact with physical products and spaces.
Furthermore, an end-to-end approach has underscored the importance of keeping user-centricity at the forefront of design decisions. Completing the entire cycle, from research to prototyping and testing, has yielded more impactful solutions. Additionally, I've improved my collaboration and communication skills, essential for aligning team and stakeholder visions.
In summary, this project has expanded my UX toolkit, emphasizing the iterative nature of design and the commitment to creating user-centered experiences.
