OZCAR
Solo Project
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Smart Home Waste System
Ozcar transforms the idea of the trash can from an simply box that holds waste in to an extension of the kitchen experience. With so much waste in the world, Ozcar is here to help rewire what we consider is waste and allows us contribute to a less wasteful world.
Its expected that by 2050, 66% of the worlds population will live in an urban area. With so many people moving to urban areas, we face two issues. Limitation of the space we live in and more waste going to landfills. Throwing away trash is a complicated task in itself. Every state, city and country have different rules on what can be recycled and what should go to the landfills. There is a need for innovation of our home waste systems that matches the needs of our over crowded and more sustainable world. This is how Ozcar was created.
Development
Development
Ethnographic Research
User research was conducted in person, online survey, and video conference interviews. What was discovered
• Individuals had two home bins. One for landfill waste and one for recycling.
• Individuals didn’t know their country resin codes (recycling codes) and had problems recycling properly.
• Most Individuals hid their waste units in either a corner of the kitchen, under the sink, or in a garage/outside area.
Observations and Deep Dive Research
Observations were conducted at Savannah County Landfills and recycling centers to understand the full scope of what was being thrown away. Expert interviews were conducted with management of these facilities to understand their needs as well as the problems with consumer trash pickup.
Ideation
a series of ideations were drafted to explore how might Ozcar look. Ozcar design shifted from a waste system for the elderly to an extension of the kitchen environment suitable for all ages.
Prototyping
Scaled models were created for form exploration and ideation confirmation of design appeal.
Final Prototype
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A full scale model aesthetic was made from plywood, acrylic and steel. This allowed for exploration of actual size requirements, opportunities for improvement, and consumer interactions.
Ozcar
Rethinking Whats Waste
Designed to be part of the kitchen rather than being an accessory, Ozcar can be used not only for trash but as an extension of the kitchen counter top. With more and more people living in smaller homes, Ozcar’s matched height of the average counter top allows for maximum space for sorted waste while not exceeding the space of two trash containers that are commonly in the home. When in need for more counter space, just lift up the folded counter top to double the space for parties or special gatherings.
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How it Ozcar works
BARCODE SCANNER
Using Eugene by Uzer barcode scanning technology, Ozcar helps the user be more aware of the value of their waste and the opportunity to properly dispose of the waste in an intuitive manner. Just simply scan the bar code on the packaging, and Ozcar will open the right compartment for proper disposal. No longer does one need to know the proper resin codes to be an environmental warrior.
ONE WITH THE KITCHEN
No longer do you have to hide your trash can in the corner or underneath the sink. Ozcar was designed to be part of the kitchen. Its raised to meet the standard countertop height and comes in multiple materials to match your kitchen style. With the fold-up counter and shelf, Ozcar also doubles as extra counter space when you really need it. More space for those get togethers and holiday meals.
MORE BINS, SAME SPACE
Ozcar was designed with them declining space of an urban kitchen. Taking up only the same amount of space the current two waste containers inhabit today, Ozcar comes with multiple bins to help you sort the waste for ease of proper waste disposal. Ozcar comes with a landfill bin, plastic bin, paper bin, metal/glass bin and a carry container for food scraps.
