scrappy

summer 2021

This project began in a collaborative sustainability studio. I was given the opportunity to work alongside two other industrial designers Anabel Graciela and Anna Stock.

This studio was my first experience with sustainability design. This process includes material consideration, manufacturing process, and working in a collaborative group setting. These aspects were important when working through the problem of how might we create a solution to composting in a family setting?

scrappy

Scrappy is a home delivery composting service kit for families. It provides an educational kit that teaches about food waste and how they can minimize the overall amount of waste in their own homes. This product strives to educate and encourage how they can reduce their impact on the larger problem of food waste across the country.

initial ideation

Taking a deeper look into the user being a family, I began brainstorming what parts could be included. I laid out a series of ideas that incorporated educational and informational games/activities. In addition, I gave brief consideration to how the materials would be delivered to the consumer as well as the box design.

interviews

Below are a series of interviews we conducted. For starters we talked with DAAP Alumni, Nick Mason. He was a great resource for our project, because he had recently completed his capstone which was based completely around composting. Not only was he able to offer initial insights into our idea, but was able to assist us along the way. Second is Dana Ceva. She was a great resource as our target user. She is currently an at-home composter, and we were able to ask her specifics about what lacked in the current marketspace.

Nick Mason, DAAP Alumni

“I started really broad and then reigned it in. I started on the topic of waste and trash in general. I wanted to tackle something worth tackling, not another product we don’t need. As I went into research it was such a broad topic with really no singular solution. I chose food waste because it was the most relatable to all people.”
“Maybe it’s not about composting. The step before composting is reducing the amount of food waste and waste in general ... Supply chain: an abundance of food and nothing to do with it (hotels, supermarkets, basketball games)”

Dana Ceva, At-Home Composter

“A good way I’ve been able to inspire people is by equating sustainability to saving money. I try to be as cost-effective as possible, and if I can eliminate things like new razor heads or paper towels then that’s a win!”
“In terms of composting, I really started my research on social media. I followed a bunch of accounts on Instagram, and then when I was living with my parents (right out of college), we were all able to attend a composting seminar in a nearby town.”

compost accessory ideation

Sketches Drawn by Anna Stock (‘22)
Stars denote the options best liked by individual group members

style guide

material considerations

Informational Cards Material:
Recycled Paper

Activity Cards Material:
Recycled Paper

Lifespan Considerations:
Add to Compost when Finished

Countertop Compost Bin Material:
Biodegradable Bamboo Fiber

Backyard/Outdoor Compost Bin (Larger) Material:
Recycled HDPE

Compost Tumbler Material:
Recycled HDPE

Lifespan Considerations:

Countertop bins can be discarded and will biodegrade in roughly 22 years.
HDPE can be recycled about 10 times, but the products are built to last a lifetime.

informational cards

Below is a closer look into the educational resources that are being included in Scrappy. These cards not only teach the users about how to compost but also ways to DIY the process at home. This allows the user the option to purchase the other amenities that Scrappy offers: tabletop compost bin, backyard compost bin, and backyard compost tumbler.