◦ Case study · Mobile · Branding + UX
An app that turns sustainable habits into a shared adventure.
Problem & Goal
01
Poor environmental education and waste management communication. Inconsistent recycling habits make it difficult for people to recycle effectively.
02
To educate users about responsible consumption and recycling through an engaging, gamified digital experience.
Design Process
The double diamond
Competitors
Interview
5 user interviews conducted to understand environmental habits, barriers to recycling, and motivations.
Empathy Map
What they do
They're trying to do the right thing. Even if it means extra effort, they keep going, because it matters to them.
What they think & feel
Overwhelmed by climate change, yet hopeful that small actions still make a difference. They worry their effort might not be enough. They want to feel supported.
What they say
They talk about how frustrating it is to sort recycling properly, only to see it mixed later. They ask for clear information and for services that match their values.
What they see
A world that's still not ready for sustainability. Public services don't support their efforts and businesses don't offer eco-friendly options.
User Stories
“I know this stuff can harm the planet”
As an engineer, I want to know exactly where to dispose of my electronic waste. I'm aware that some components are highly polluting, and I want to be responsible with them. It's not always easy to find the right place.
They're tech-savvy and informed, but even they struggle to find clear answers.“I just want to breathe better”
As someone living in Mexico City, I want the government to manage air pollution more effectively, so we can live in healthier environments. I see how bad the air gets, and I wish there were stronger public policies in place.
Behind this story is someone hoping for structural change, because personal effort only goes so far.“We can only do this together”
As a citizen of Mexico City, I want the people around me to adopt better environmental practices. I believe collective effort matters, and it's frustrating to feel like I'm the only one trying.
It's not just about access — it's about culture, community, and shared responsibility.Journey Map
Users disengage when messaging feels heavy or accusatory.
Discovery friction is a main barrier.
Joint action and shared goals improve long-term habit formation.
Tangible incentives bridge the gap between intent and behavior.
Reframing consumption is key to mindset change.
Seeing carbon footprint makes choices feel meaningful.
Behavior Change
Mindset and habitsThe deepest lever for sustainability is changing how people think and act daily. These solutions address mindset, self-awareness, and habit formation.
01
App communication always feels community-driven, never guilt-inducing or pessimistic.
02
Content personalized by concern, helping users understand the impact.
03
Self-reflection tool for questioning consumption and eco-practices.
04
Collective action is the most powerful force against climate change.
Product Feature
Tools and infrastructureConcrete tools that remove friction and make sustainable choices practical. It solves the "I don't know how or where" problems.
01
Rewards program where recycling earns points redeemable for coupons and perks. Creates real motivation to act.
02
Self-reflection tool for questioning daily routines and planning changes in consumption and eco-practices.
03
Interactive map showing nearby recycling points, garbage truck monitoring, and collection schedules.
Communication
Tone and contentHow the app speaks matters as much as what it does. These solutions define the voice and content strategy: empathetic, informed, never guilt-driven.
01
App language always feels community-driven, committed, and warm — never accusatory or pessimistic. Tone is a design decision.
02
Content personalized by concern, helping users understand the impact.
Four usability tests were conducted using Blackberry with participants ranging from 20 to 52 years old — a deliberate age spread to surface generational gaps in digital fluency and environmental awareness.
Method 1 · 5-second first impression
Method 2 · Find & use a coupon
Method 3 · 1–5 difficulty rating
Method 4 · Comment analysis
60%
Of users perceived the interface as friendly and intuitive in under 5 seconds.
2.6×
Younger users completed tasks 2.6× faster — highlighting how intuitive design varies by user background.
♡
Users loved the visual design but felt key features like social benefits were too hidden.
Green shades
Yellow-ish shades
Neutral shades
Typography
2. Features · ♡ I'm my habits
Self-reflection tool for questioning daily routines and planning changes in consumption and eco-practices.
Points you earn by completing actions and tasks inside the app. They're redeemable for real coupons, turning environmental effort into a personal reward.
Unlocked when you do something remarkable. Not everyday tasks, but meaningful milestones.
A running measure of the CO₂ you've kept out of the atmosphere through your choices. Makes the invisible visible.
Shows your activity across six sustainability dimensions. At a glance you see which areas you already lead in, and where there's room to grow.
This project directly contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Simbiosis educates users about recycling, responsible consumption, and environmental impact through interactive, accessible content — making environmental literacy available to everyone, regardless of background.
The app directly promotes sustainable consumption patterns by helping users track habits, reduce waste, and make more conscious daily choices — turning individual behavior into collective environmental progress.
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