Transparency for sustainable future
A speculative journey for designing interactive recycling bin to promote second hand clothing.
- A Research through design approach
Overview
TRUST GAP IN SECOND HAND FASHION
The global fashion industry produces an estimated 92 million tons of waste each year Only 15% of textiles are recycled, the rest ends up in landfills.
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This research through design project explore possible cause for reduced recycling in second hand clothing.
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The research is carried out through workshops experience prototyping with physical and digital prototypes with second hand business in and around Dundee, scotland.
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CONCEPT USED FOR RESEARCH
A speculative design concept, called interactive cloth donation bin prioritizes transparency to build trust and motivate donors.
The system analyzes the condition of donated items and predicts their destination, fostering accountability.
Additionally, the bin offers instant access to purchase second-hand clothes, promoting circularity.
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What does the research Found out?
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The research highlights effectiveness of interactive bin in circulating clothes, particularly in closed communities like universities
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Transparency in the donation process is essential to encourage people’s participation in circular economy .
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Recycling bins are often stigmatized, but making them interactive and adding collection options can positively shift public attitudes.
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Emotional attachment to clothing poses a challenge to donations, which can be eased by providing informed decision-making tools.
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Ontology-based informed decisions can reduce the emotional impact of donating clothes by clarifying their future use.
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However, transparency about clothes being recycled might discourage some people from donating, requiring a balance in communication.
