Phase 1

This phase focused on researching various aspects of the current recycling system and recycling trends. The challenges with recycling small format plastics was studied to gain a better understanding of the issue and its inter-complexities. Meeting with sustainability sponsors provided much needed insight on what various stakeholders want, and these preferences were taken into consideration while doing research on current recycling practices. The information gained during the research phase was used to help begin developing possible solutions.

The following pages contain further information on Phase 1:

• Research

• The Project Brief

Phase 2

In Phase 2, a tentative problem statement was created in an effort to concisely describe the issue with recycling small format plastics and address what aspects of the problem we wanted to focus on. Once these aspects had been identified, brainstorming of possible solutions followed and we quickly realized that not much data on small format plastic recycling existed. More research was needed to determine if our solutions were possible, and biomimicry was also studied to see what improvements could be added to them.

The following pages contain further information on Phase 2:

• Problem Statement

• Brainstorm Mural

• Biomimicry

Phase 3

In this phase the project problem statement was finalized, and the crucial aspects of the problem were identified. We determined that the relationship and system of the stakeholders was inefficient, leading to a non-circular recycling system. Furthermore, the current materials and sorting/handling processes used by stakeholders contribute to the growth of single-use plastic, upholding the current non-circular system. We also realized it is vital to educate consumers on sustainable practices to promote change in their recycling behaviors. These objectives were kept in mind as brainstorming of possible solutions continued.

The following pages contain further information on Phase 3:

• Problem Statement

Phase 4

In Phase 4, three solution concepts were chosen to expand upon. For each one, final deliverables were defined assuming there were no constraints, and elements present in the deliverables were identified given actual real-world constraints. We learned that we would have to communicate with different stakeholders to determine the best method to create the final deliverables and if any part of our concept needed modification. A plan with milestones and responsibilities was created to move the project forward to achieve the final deliverables.

The following pages contain further information on Phase 4:

• Concepts for change

Phase 5

The deliverables in this phase focused on market research, design planning, and communication strategies. Here we learned that we needed to test system prototypes in order to determine the functionality of our product within the recycling system. We also identified the various stakeholders and their needs and realized the group we needed to appeal to most are the consumers. As a result, we focused on creating system prototypes that centered around the consumer and their recycling habits.

The following pages contain further information on Phase 5:

• Phase 5 Deliverables

Phase 6

The Phase 6 deliverables centered around planning and testing prototypes. Developing system prototypes proved to be difficult due to organization rules and time constraints, but with the help of our mentors we were able to find the best route. Here we learned that engaging consumers around recycling behavior is difficult, and from the data we were able to collect we learned that people's recycling habits varied depending on their background and environment. After struggling to collect data, we reflected on our testing strategies and revised our approach to be more engaging towards consumers.

The following pages contain further information on Phase 6:

• Phase 6 Deliverables

Phase 7

Further prototype testing was conducted in this phase and the deliverables aimed to create the most final and complete version of our project as InnovationSpace came to a close. After reflecting on our prototype test results, we determined if any changes needed to be made to our concept and made predictions about how our project would perform in the real world.

The following pages contain further information on Phase 7:

• Phase 7 Deliverables

• Spring 2021 Final Presentation