(:PTERIS)
Project description
Background
In modern society, we generate an enormous amount of waste every day, with a significant portion being plastic waste. Unfortunately, the separation and classification of food plastic packaging are often overlooked, resulting in low efficiency and quality of plastic waste recycling, which wastes valuable labor and natural resources.
How can we raise awareness about the importance of separating food packaging from plastic waste and promote voluntary separation and recycling of plastic waste among people?
What we do
we created an environment-friendly interactive installation called (:PTERIS). The installation features a game that uses Tetris-inspired "matching" and "elimination" concepts to help users learn about food depackaging.
Why we do
The game highlights the importance of separating food plastic packaging to increase the efficiency and quality of plastic waste recycling, which saves labor and natural resources. By playing the game, participants learn that separating plastic waste is just like playing Tetris, and efficient separation can contribute to a significant reduction of plastic waste in the world.
Our goal is to encourage critical thinking about profit-driven excessive packaging and the unreasonable pursuit of aesthetically pleasing packaging.
Prototype
To create (:PTERIS), we opted for an environmentally-friendly approach by using a recyclable and portable mesh iron frame as the basic skeleton material. The garbage sorting split drop port panel and screen mosaic panel were made using wood three-ply board and adhesive printing paper. The assembly of (:PTERIS) is held together by hemp rope, and the garbage delivery channel is made of black paperboard. An infrared sensor is fixed in the delivery channel to detect garbage delivery status.
User experience process
To create (:PTERIS), we opted for an environmentally-friendly approach by using a recyclable and portable mesh iron frame as the basic skeleton material. The garbage sorting split drop port panel and screen mosaic panel were made using wood three-ply board and adhesive printing paper. The assembly of (:PTERIS) is held together by hemp rope, and the garbage delivery channel is made of black paperboard. An infrared sensor is fixed in the delivery channel to detect garbage delivery status.
1. After consuming their snacks, the user often casually toss their plastic waste into the trash can.
2. User can approach the (:PTERIS) installation and begin the game, which guides them to separate and classify the packaging according to the hints displayed on the screen.
3. The user can use the hints provided to separate and classify the packaging, starting from the external layer to the internal layer, and then throw them into (:PTERIS).
4. When the user presses the button, the diamond falls.
5. After a successful match, the game ends and the user receive a QR code ranking for the game.
6.By scanning the ranking QR code, the user can see their contribution to environmental protection and compare their results with other players.
Develop
we utilized Processing to program the visual interface of the game and incorporated an Arduino infrared sensor to detect the garbage disposal situation, allowing for interaction between the Processing program and Arduino.
Game interface & processing
Arduino button & code
Within a span of four weeks, we successfully accomplished the research, physical interface design, prototype construction, and environmental testing for (:PTERIS).
Research
Tracking garbage and observing public behavior
we conducted a week-long observation and recorded the number, location, and disposal of plastic waste produced by people from different backgrounds. Our findings showed that food plastic packaging waste is the largest proportion of plastic waste generated by people. Thus, we aimed to find a feasible solution to the separation and recycling of food plastic packaging waste through our interactive installation.
Visualizing the survey results related to plastic waste and recycling
What we found
-Many foods are excessively packaged, and the public often overlook the importance of separating and classifying food packaging waste.
-There is a low level of awareness about recycling plastic waste, and many people consider it a bothersome and dull task.
Related statistics
-Half the world’ s plastics are made in Asia, China contributes 29%.
-40% of plastic production is packging,hey used just once and then discard. reference:
<PLASTICSEUROPE>,Population Reference Bureau
<Fast facts about plastic pollution>, National Geogr -aphic, 2018
2 * 2 matrix
After identifying the existing problems, we aimed to find solutions to them. Using a "2x2 matrix" approach that considers the dimensions of physical-virtual and serious-gamification, we explored various design possibilities.
How might we
We also posed "how might we" questions to generate further ideas. Ultimately, we aimed to transform the often-neglected task of plastic waste separation and classification into a fun and engaging Tetris-style game, encouraging consumers to get involved and make a positive impact.
Prototype sketch
Event Canvas
To enhance the overall experience before the event, we utilized an event canvas to restore and re-analyze the participant's thought process during the experience. With this information, we streamlined the interaction flow and added a social sharing section to improve the user's overall experience.
Evaluation
Finally, to attract more people and increase participation, we placed (:PTERIS) in the public sitting area of the Academy of Fine Arts, with dense vending machines and coffee shops.
