Urban Attention Bin X AWB




KISD Winter 2023/2024
Middle Term Project (6 weeks)
Group Work
Supervised by Prof. Birgit Mager,
Katja Trinkwalder, Anastasia Bondar
Cooperation with AWB

Team with Malte Garrecht
Photos documentation by Elena Schmitz
Service Design
User Research & Surveys
Stakeholder Mapping
Service Design Process
Concept Development
Prototyping

In collaboration with the City of Cologne’s Innovation Office and the Cologne Waste Management Company (AWB), we developed ideas that contribute to the sustainable design of the city of Cologne. Many people in Cologne feel that there are too few trash cans in the cityscape and that this is why a lot of trash ends up on the streets. However, our research showed that Cologne, with over 22,000 trash cans, is above average compared to other cities. We realized that the main problem is not the number of trash cans, but their low visibility. Many containers blend into the cityscape, are hardly noticed, and are therefore used less.

In my group, we developed three ideas for increasing visibility of the trash cans: First, a striking contour that emphasizes the disposal area. Second, humorous sayings in different languages that motivate people to dispose of trash properly. And third, an interactive floor design with footprints, arrows, and playful elements such as hopscotch squares to attract attention and encourage use. The ideas were tested in public spaces and received positive feedback. In the meantime, the idea of humorous slogans has been further developed and implemented by AWB and the City of Cologne.