2071, 50 years from the present. Currently our earth is blooming, our ecosystems are strong, healthy and as diverse as ever. Our societies feel proud, proud of where they are. For our current situation would not have been possible without a high level of mitigation in response to climate change and the uncertainties it brought surrounding our species fate. Not only has their been reductions in emissions, carbon capture has also ensured our rate of warming has stayed in the desired zone. This zone being an increase in global temperature of only 2oc. These changers were yes enabled by designers remaining unbiased, critical and open; open to all concepts and possibilities. However these changes would have been possible without the adoption of these ideologies from all adopter groups. Adoption, yes came at different rates across the globe however this adoption in a way represents a social perspective shift. A shift which lead us to our current state, green, glowing and bountiful for all whom are lucky enough to inhabit our beautiful world.
Persona
Year: 2071
< >Name: Claudia Bond
Age: 23
Background: Australian, Portuguese heritage
Occupation: BaristaEducation: Second year university student, studying arts
Morning
Wakes up, rolls over and has a sip of water
Makes an aero-press coffee – an outdated method according to some however she enjoys the process
Cruises Instagram
Showers, eats and gets ready for the rest of her day
Midday
Currently studying, at home obviously. It 2071, virtual is the norm- efficient and effective
Her partner arrives home, they lunch together. A plant based meal, rich in nutrients.
They discuss their neighbours wastage and question if they are aware of the effect of their actions.
Evening
Cruises some Instagram accounts once again, she enjoys drawing inspiration from others work.
Begins to sketch her thoughts, finding that her understanding of one material hinders her ability to generate a plausible concept, thus she begins to study further.
Finally unwinds with a cup of tea before laying to rest.
Speculative Design Ideas
We are here now in 2071, to humans delight we can still breathe without masks and can immerse ourselves among nature. Green and clean are two words which correlate our current environmental state. With an uncertain future looming 50 years ago, humans made the right decision in regards to implementing a high level of mitigation towards climate change. Global warming is no joke, thankfully humans efforts also weren’t a joke.
As society adopted these new ways of life and entered an almost pluriversal space a shift in perspective made consumers think and view the topic of climate change in a new way. Principals of Biommicry motivated and encouraged this change.
The concept I would like to put forth is more a systematic approach, of which aims to complement this perspective shift and incentivise all to recycle actively and in an informed manner; to not only benefit themselves but also continue to ensure our space remains green and inhabitable.
“Recycling Rating”, this concept is simple. Reward those who recycle through the receival of discounted goods and services. The physical aspect of this concept is a bin, divided into five sections. A section for soft plastic, one for hard plastics, one for cardboard, one for metal and glass based items. The artefact will have a sensor at the top of each sector, this sensor will scan the item of which is trying to be recycled. If correct, it will display a green light; if incorrect it will display a red light. Each sector will contain the same internal working components, ensuring the recycling is efficient and effective. Following this at the bottom of each sector there will be a scale, this scale will weigh your recycled items the evening before bin day. Thus determining your recycling efforts and the output of which you have produced.
The concept was inspired by our credit rating system which is currently used in the year 2021. The fundamentals are similar, the credit rating system is effective and tested. As it is now 2071 and green is the new norm, it birthed the ideology for a ‘green’ alternative.
The entirety of the system will be linked to an account, personalised for the user. This account is the key to receiving the incentives of which have been promised.
Incentives, again a simple system. Centred around a 1-10 user rating, as users recycle more their rating improves thus the better the rewards shall be. Displaying rating graph with percentages The incentives will be a percentage mark down on the price depicted for any good or service; 20% being the highest discount available and obviously 0% being the lowest. 20% would be achieved with a rating of 10, remaining diligent and savvy will be key to obtaining this level of reward. For this system to work it is clear that legislation will need to be passed, of which ensures the participation of all businesses etc.
