Embedded Files
5 Items to Recycle Chart
5 Items NOT to Recycle Chart
Project Overview
Project Overview
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
New residents in Austin struggle to understand the city's recycling system, leading to contamination in recycling bins and confusion about proper waste disposal. The existing recycling guidelines were text-heavy and difficult to navigate, creating barriers for newcomers who need quick, actionable information.
Research
Research
Primary Users
Primary Users
New Austin residents, renters, and anyone unfamiliar with local recycling rules
Pain Points
Pain Points
Confusion between recyclable and non-recyclable items
Uncertainty about special disposal requirements (batteries, electronics)
Language barriers for non-native English speakers
Information overload from existing city resources
Key User Needs
Key User Needs
Quick Visual Recognition: Users need to quickly identify if an item is recyclable
Clear Alternative Actions: When items can't go in recycling, users need to know what to do instead
Comprehensive Coverage: All common household items should be addressed
Accessibility: Information should be easy to understand regardless of reading level
Design
Design
Design Principles
Design Principles
Visual First: Use recognizable icons and images over text where possible
Clear Hierarchy: Organize information in digestible, numbered sections
Actionable Guidance: Always provide next steps for non-recyclable items
Consistent System: Use color coding and visual patterns throughout
Information Architecture
Information Architecture
The guide was structured as a complementary two-part system:
Part 1: What to put in recycling (positive reinforcement)
Part 2: What NOT to put in recycling (prevention of contamination)
Visual Design
Visual Design
Color System
Orange/Teal Background: Warm, welcoming colors that stand out from typical municipal materials
Green Background (Part 2): Different color to clearly distinguish the "don't recycle" guide
Category Color Coding: Each recycling category has its own color for easy recognition
Green: Paper products
Orange: Hard plastics
Purple: Metals
Blue: Glass
Pink: Cardboard
Typography & Layout
Large, Bold Numbers: Make each category immediately scannable
Hierarchical Text: Category names are prominent, with detailed lists in smaller text
Generous White Space: Prevents information overload
Consistent Grid System: Creates visual rhythm and predictability
Iconography & Imagery
Circular Product Photos: Show real items users will recognize from their homes
Prohibition Symbols: Clear red circles with slashes for items that shouldn't be recycled
Recycling Cart Visual: Reinforces the connection to the user's actual recycling cart
Content Strategy
Content Strategy
Positive Framing (Part 1)
Leads with what users CAN do
Builds confidence in recycling behaviors
Includes helpful details (like "labels can be left on containers")
Prevention Focus (Part 2)
Clearly identifies common mistakes
Provides alternative disposal methods
Uses strong visual indicators (red prohibition symbols)
Practical Details
Specific size requirements (cardboard broken into 2'x2' squares)
Special handling instructions (schedule appointments for batteries/electronics)
Local resource mentions (Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center)
User Experience Features
User Experience Features
Scannable Design
Scannable Design
5-Second Rule: Users can identify their item's category within 5 seconds
Visual Hierarchy: Most important information (category numbers and names) are largest
Logical Grouping: Similar items are grouped together with clear boundaries
Error Prevention
Error Prevention
Contamination Reduction: Part 2 specifically addresses common recycling mistakes
Alternative Solutions: Every "don't recycle" category includes what to do instead
Clear Boundaries: Dotted lines separate categories to prevent visual confusion
Accessibility Considerations
Accessibility Considerations
High Contrast: Text is easily readable against background colors
Multiple Information Channels: Icons, text, and images work together
Simple Language: Avoids municipal jargon in favor of everyday terms
Visual Recognition: Users with limited English can rely on product images
Impact & Results
Impact & Results
Anticipated User Benefits
Anticipated User Benefits
Reduced Contamination: Clear guidance should decrease incorrectly recycled items
Increased Confidence: Visual approach makes recycling feel more approachable
Better Compliance: Specific instructions (like cardboard sizing) improve execution
Community Integration: Helps newcomers feel more connected to local systems
Municipal Benefits
Municipal Benefits
Reduced Processing Costs: Less contamination means more efficient recycling
Public Education: Proactive guidance reduces need for reactive enforcement
Brand Consistency: Professional design reflects well on city services
Scalability: Visual approach can be easily translated or adapted
Future Improvements
Future Improvements
Digital Integration: QR codes linking to interactive digital version
Multilingual Versions: Spanish and other common Austin languages
Seasonal Updates: Versions addressing holiday-specific items
Feedback Loop: System for collecting user confusion points for iteration
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Visual Communication Works: Complex municipal information becomes accessible through thoughtful visual design
Complementary Messaging: Positive and negative framing together are more effective than either alone
Real-World Context: Showing actual products makes abstract rules concrete
Progressive Disclosure: Breaking complex information into numbered sections prevents overwhelm
Conclusion
Conclusion
This recycling guide demonstrates how thoughtful UX design can transform mundane municipal information into an engaging, useful resource. By prioritizing visual communication, clear hierarchy, and user empathy, the design bridges the gap between complex city systems and everyday resident needs.
The success of this project lies not just in its visual appeal, but in its systematic approach to reducing cognitive load while increasing practical utility. It serves as a model for how cities can better communicate with residents through design-forward public service materials.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse