User testing

For many people the problem is access. They do not have the space or time to manage a compost bin. In small communities like college campuses we can have community compost.

Designing the structure

Through rapid prototyping we came up with a few different designs with the main goal being to create an easy to use compost bin. During user interviews we found that people didn’t like using a lot of the trash cans on campus because of how messy they are. Our goal became to reduce possible mess simply from the design in order to encourage continued use of the compost bin.

With the feedback driven designs we went through multiple iterations. After more users testing the physical designs we started working on building the bin.

Building

Using epilog laser cutters, Inkscape and 3D printers we built the body of the compost bin using recycled materials and a small motion sensor to open the bin.

We found that a slanted opening with the screen above was the most efficient design and helps reduce the risk of food getting onto the screen or box itself.

Designing the bin

After creating the final structure design we went through the same iteration and user testing process to design the outside of the compost bin and the interface.

1. Feedback was that realistic images on the front of the design did not feel cohesive with the rest of the design.

Final Design

The final design was a combination of the second and third designs.

Interface Iterations

We created a simple design that requires minimal touching and provides information about community gardens on campus and what can be composted. A compost bin that uses heat allows you to compost things that typically cannot be composted, like meat, dairy and onions.