Mind Map (created 2/16/2017) – This map is a method of exploring potential issue areas that the group can focus on for the actual product design process. At the point in time of creating this visualization we had to remain vague in some areas in preparation of further background research. While some portions of the map were dead ends, our mind map allowed us to decide that the core areas we could work with can be separated into trash receptacle design, sorting methods, student life (dorms, dining halls, etc.), and safety.
Identified Problem Areas
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Trash Receptacles (Bins, Dumpsters, etc.)
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User Needs
- The user must understand what goes in the bin, be able to clean it easily, easily empty the bin, and not have to interact with the bin otherwise.
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Solution Attributes
- Bin must hold the bag effectively, effectively communicate its’ function, be easy to clean, be easy to empty, etc.
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Problem Statement
- Design a trash receptacle (of any variety) that effectively communicates what it’s intended purpose is while being easy to clean, empty, and requiring little to no extra maintenance.
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Sorting
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User Needs
- The worker must be able to easily separate trash, recycling, and compost; the user must also be able to identify what trash goes where.
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Solution Attributes
- Sorting methods must efficiently differentiate types of trash on the user and worker side.
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Problem Statement
- Design a product that allows for the sorting process to occur more easily on the users end (allowing less potential error room for the user, easing the workload of those later in the process).
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Student Life (dining, dormitories, bathrooms, etc.)
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User Needs
- The user requires more options for trash disposal that are effective (compost, recycling, further sorting, etc.) and to know where each goes.
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Solution Attributes
- Locations that students frequent need to acquire/implement better methods of trash disposal (compost, recycling, compactors, etc.) that effectively communicates its purpose.
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Problem Statement
- Create a product(s) that allows students to properly dispose of trash in a way that efficiently uses the trash receptacles without overflowing them or improperly using them.
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Safety
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User Needs
- Users who interact with trash must be able to easily identify hazardous items and put them in the correct locations. Workers must be able to identify hazardous items so that they are not in danger of injury. Both should be able to safely dispose of items which pose a hazard.
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Solution Attributes
- Users on all sides need to be educated on what could be hazardous to recycle and have the ability to safely recycle any issue pieces.
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Problem Statement
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Design a product that allows waste collectors to manage the removal of trash without physical harm from the trash contents.
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