Mobile app-aided design thinking approach to promote upcycling in Singapore

Abstract

The yearly amount of waste getting disposed of in Singapore is rising, which poses a waste management issue to be tackled and overcome. The practice of upcycling increases the value of objects and materials and hence, can divert these materials from landfills. This study investigated individuals' and businesses' motivation, interest and participation in upcycling in Singapore. Firstly an overview of the relatively nascent upcycling studies was conducted. The design thinking approach was then employed, which helped to uncover stakeholders’ needs and frustrations. Through the implementation of the design thinking approach, this study chose and prototyped a mobile app-aided waste marketplace platform that aimed to reduce the barriers of upcycling by aggregating the materials available in the market and crowdsourcing upcycling know-how. Generally, the results found from the user testing of the platform were positive and encouraging. Feedbacks from individuals showed that the platform can help to improve key factors including raising the awareness of the upcycling issues, and also enable such practices by providing better usability and promoting the upcycling culture. Evaluations from business also corroborate these aspects. The results indicated the potential feasibility and impact of such a solution to promote upcycling in Singapore.