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Wavefiltrix
A micro-plastic collection device designed for surfboards, promoting sustainability and catering to consumers with active lifestyles. This product bridges the gap between leading a healthy lifestyle
and contributing to a healthier planet.
At the start of our research, we dedicated our efforts to gaining a deep understanding of the current sustainability trends in the health and fitness industry. Our goal was clear: to focus our research on designing an innovative and engaging product.
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Understanding the Problem
While researching into the problem, we conducted an analysis on the existing market for plastic collection devices. There, we noticed a lack of affordable plastic collection devices.
Current Plastic-Collection Devices
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Insights
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Lack of accessibility to average consumer
Lack of portability & large-in-scale
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Not user-friendly or intuitive
High Cost
In order to design an effective micro-plastic collection device, our team needed to understand consumers' needs and goals. We sought insight into consumers' perspectives on sustainability, fitness, and health.
User Interview
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“Sustainability is something that I want to incorporate into
my life. I just feel like I don’t know where to start.”
“I love being active and eco-friendly, I think if there was
a way to combine the two that would be amazing.”
“I feel like a lot of sustainable products and devices are great,
just too expensive which push me away from purchasing.”
Findings and Analysis
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Participants expressed a desire to live a sustainable lifestyle, but felt they didn't know where to begin and lacked the time and resources.
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Participants described a need for a device that could be on-the-go and easily portable.
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The majority of participants mentioned being active, but had never experienced using a device that combines daily activity with sustainability.
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All participants expressed frustration with how expensive sustainability products are and their lack of accessibility to the average consumer.
Our, team decided to create a user persona in order to synthesize the patterns of goals, motivations, and frustrations points for users. Further we created a journey map detailing a consumer’s journey when purchasing a sustainable product.
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Make an environmental impact
Reduce carbon footprint​​
Live an active lifestyle in
an eco-friendly way
Balancing fitness coaching
& personal activities
Wants to avoid wasting
time/money
Limited access to sustainable
products his local area
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Utilizing the information we gathered, we made the strategic decision to develop a micro-plastic collection device specifically designed for surfboards. This product underwent a process of ideation and storytelling to culminate in its final design.
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Reflection
This project constituted a transformative journey that significantly contributed to my growth as both a designer and researcher. It provided me with valuable insights into comprehending the nuanced perspectives of sustainability among individuals, while enhancing my ability to approach design through a forward-thinking, eco-conscious lens.
Takeaways and Learnings
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Every project requires days, months, and even years to develop. Patience is a key factor in achieving success and designing an exceptional product. Throughout this journey, I've learned the importance of knowing when to step back, take time to debrief, and return in order to foster new connections and ideas.
Growth Takes Time
Understand Your Audience
Before embarking on any project, it's crucial to understand the consumer: their desires, needs, and long-term goals. Our consumers aspire to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle that harmonizes with their active fitness journey. It's imperative to develop a product that seamlessly merges these two distinct worlds, opening up a realm of new possibilities.
In instances where something doesn't work or make sense, the way forward is to keep progressing. Throughout our project, we encountered challenges in crafting a product that stands out, avoiding mere iterations of existing market offerings. Our objective was to create an entirely new and innovative product, one that stands on its own and sparks discussions about the accessibility of sustainable products.
Nothing Can Be Perfect
Next Steps
Our teams plans to transform our design sketches into 3D renderings and a physical product. This physical product will undergo multiple iterations, prototype testing, and user feedback. Users will have the opportunity to test, provide feedback, and contribute to the development of the final product iteration. Through these steps, WaveFiltrix will move one step closer to creating a greener and healthier world."
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