•  Consistency

 

   ➢ Consistent style: Using green as the main colour, which is closely related to environmental       

       protection; maintaining a unified typographic style.

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   ➢ Consistent operation: The text, icons and instructions etc. for the same function in different

       sections remain the same.

 

   ➢ Consistent logic: Product design conforms to the logic of time and space which is common in real life.

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   ➢ Consistent reality: Most of the icons used are based on real-life objects and are easy to recognise.

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   ➢ ​Consistent information: Database is shared between the closely-connected systems of the platform and the smart bin.

 

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• Visibility

 

   ➢ Both the platform and the smart bin have detailed and easy to understand instructions to provide

       support for users who are not familiar with the system.

 

   ➢ When users carry out certain actions on the product, the system will inform them that their actions

       are known to the device in the form of light-ups, colour changes, shape shifts, etc., which allows

       users to be fully aware of their progress and the results of their operations.

 

   ➢ ​Most of the buttons have hyperlinks for easy page jumping, allowing users to switch between

       functions or sections easily.

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• Feedback

 

   ➢ The App has a dedicated Feedback section where users can submit comments or suggestions about

       the product to the developer at any time.

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   ➢ Users are rewarded for any activity engaged in on the platform (posting, games, charity, etc.) as the

       feedback.

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   ➢ The Smart Bin is equipped with an electronic screen and indicator lights where users will receive

       feedbacks on whether they have separated their rubbish correctly and some knowledge related to

       it, and be rewarded for correct separation.

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   ➢ The Smart Bin uses sensors and artificial intelligence technology to achieve automatic feedback. The

       system will automatically send a reminder to the administrator's account when the amount of waste

       in the bin reaches a specified volume that needs to be cleaned or if there is any problem with the

       bin.

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• Affordance

 

   ➢ The functions on the platform are clearly laid out to ensure that users are able to find all the main

       functions easily while maintaining aesthetics.

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   ➢ Use easy-to-understand words rather than specialist technical terms.

 

   ➢ Use visual icons or pictures instead of text to make it accessible to less educated users.

 

   ➢ The Smart Bin looks similar to the large waste bins existed and users do not need to spend a lot of

       time learning the usage of the new bins specifically.

 

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• Functionality

 

   ➢ Always put functionality first and refuse to give up essential functions for unnecessary aesthetics.

 

   ➢ Understanding users' needs and preferred features through interviews, surveys etc. before

       designing to achieve user-targeted results.

 

   ➢ High-tech elements such as conveyor belts, sensors and artificial intelligence are deliberately

       incorporated into the design to enhance the performance of the products, and environmentally

       friendly means such as solar power and pedal power are used to make the products more

       environment-friendly.

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• Interactivity

 

   ➢ Interaction between user and platform: reward incentives, community involvement, games, public

       benefit activities, feedback mechanisms, etc.

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   ➢ Interaction between user and smart bin: pedalling power, waste separation, rewards, feedback

       mechanism, etc.

 

   ➢ Interaction between platform and smart bin: reminder, automatic feedback, reward mechanism,

       statistics, etc.

 

• Iteration

 

   ➢   design is progressively refined through Low-fidelity, Mid-fidelity, High-fidelity stages.

 

   ➢ Improving the product based on the Usability Test to better meet the needs of users.

 

   ➢ Technology and interfaces will be updated continuously in the future.

 

 

• Longevity

 

   ➢ Long service life has been taken into account during the design process. For example, batteries

       rather than sockets that are susceptible to water short-circuiting are used for back-up power, and

       weather-resistant materials are specially chosen.

 

   ➢ Extend the social impact of the project by partnering with the government, charity organisations             and other businesses.