COOL THE CLIMATE
SUSTAINABLE WAYFINDING SYSTEM
CAPSTONE CASE STUDY
CAPSTONE BRIEF
Address how design can impact sociocultural issues through research and design outcome production. Learners will formulate problems to address, research these problems, and develop design outcomes to test their efficacy when addressing these issues. Culminates with a presentation of design outcomes to professional outlets.
How can I leverage the 2024 Miami University FOCUS Theme, Environmental Justice, to inspire
Miami University students and the Oxford community to take action through waste disposal?
APPROACH TO RESEARCH
As an executive member of a sustainable organization on campus, Zero Waste Oxford, I have been involved with dozens of trash pick-ups in the Oxford local area. I have confidence in what is and isn’t recyclable in Oxford, but I know that isn’t the case for the majority of the Miami University study body. I have been immersed in a sustainable lifestyle throughout my time here at Miami and the amount of waste disposed of improperly here has been a major pain point of mine. I examined Miami students, staff, and faculty views through a survey and gathered observational research. With this research, I investigated how the Oxford community practices sustainability, disposes of their waste, and the challenges they face. The lasting impact I hope to make is to bring an elevated awareness of sustainability practices and environmental justice to the Miami and Oxford communities.
RESEARCH METHODS
I utilized data source triangulation to develop a comprehensive understanding of my research topic.
SURVEY
Investigated three different demographics of members in the local Oxford, OH community:
1. Students who actively practice sustainability
2. Students who don’t practice sustainability and/or lack confidence
3. Staff and faculty at Miami
From these three perspectives, I examined their views on sustainability practices and the challenges they may face. The key insight was that most people that are and aren’t sustainably involved lacked awareness and knowledge about composting around the local community.
OBSERVATION
Examined students’ waste disposal habits with trash, recycling, and compost bins at the student center.
The key insight was that the student population lacked awareness regarding sustainable action and that laziness and lack of education were the main contributors to improper waste disposal.
DESIGN PROCESSS
DESIGN SOLUTION
From my two key insights regarding waste disposal in Oxford, OH I decided to create deliverables that pertained to the target audience that lacked awareness surrounding composting in the local area to create a wayfinding system that would evoke an act of change in behavior for people to want to compost.
For my final deliverables, I designed a wayfinding system that includes an infographic poster series and a yard sale series that promotes composting in Oxford, OH. Many students in the Oxford area who either are or aren’t actively practicing sustainable initiatives still aren’t aware of composting in the local area. Composting is just one initiative that can get the ball rolling to evoke more people in the local area to dispose of their waste sustainably, as well as promote other waste disposal habits through recycling and e-waste efforts.
EXHIBITION SPACE
Check out the rest of my design cohort’s exhibition below or virtually.
