WantKnot: connecting organizations to improve their waste management practices

  • Authors:

  • Jared S. Bauer;Liz A. Blankenship;Leanna M. Gingras;Mark A. Goetz

  • Affiliations:

  • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

  • Venue:
  • CHI '09 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems
  • Year:
  • 2009

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Abstract

Commercial businesses represent a large portion of all waste generation; furthermore, their waste streams are large and consistent enough to provide a steady resource to other organizations that can use the waste as inputs for their own processes. However, businesses find it difficult to connect with other organizations, especially those in different industries. We conducted a user-centered design process in which we interviewed 17 local organizations, built an affinity diagram, and devised personas and scenarios. Using this information, we designed a social network, WantKnot, which allows businesses to find other local organizations interested in absorbing some of their waste streams. Based on a preliminary round of usability testing, we found that WantKnot connects businesses in valuable ways, and in doing so, reduces waste and transportation resources.