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PICK IT UP OR THROW UP

Exploring how education, physical design, and digital experiences could encourage responsible pet-waste disposal.

ROLE

UX Designer

TOOLS

  • Pen and Paper

  • Powerpoint

WHAT I DESIGNED

  • Visual Design

  • Paper Prototype

  • Digital Experience

THE CHALLENGE

How can the town of Morrisville increase the number of residents seeking information about the ordinance and consequences of pet waste?

 

How can they encourage residents and make it easier to report pet waste issues?

UNDERSTANDING THE AUDIENCE

The project explored several user perspectives, including a business analyst, student, and construction worker. Across the personas, the team identified three themes:
•    They want a convenient way to dispose of pet waste.
•    They need education on the consequences of dog waste.
•    They value the importance of picking up after their pets.

THE SOLUTION

Changing behavior requires a balance of education, convenience, and motivation. The team focused the solution in three primary areas:
•    Educational Campaign
•    Receptacle Redesign
•    Digital Experience

EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN

The campaign centered on a memorable tagline: “Pick it Up or Throw Up.” The goal was to create top-of-mind recall and use the message consistently across multiple channels.


The proposed education channels included pet stores, mailed flyers, the website, pet fairs, veterinarians, receptacle signage, and Community Awareness Day.

RECEPTACLE REDESIGN

The team explored a dual-purpose receptacle with separate areas for pet waste and regular trash. The pet-waste receptacle was designed to be recognizable and help reduce contamination from regular trash.
•    Convenience: clearly distinguish pet waste from regular trash.
•    Education: provide a place for flyers, promotions, and challenges.

•    Motivation: use a “woof woof” sensor and the Woofstop concept to encourage participation.

DIGITAL EXPERIENCE

The concept extended into a digital experience that included a GPS map of pet-waste receptacles and Woofstop locations, helping residents find convenient places to dispose of pet waste.

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