This project for the University of Santa Cruz involved developing an interactive web platform and a large wall installation to be displayed in the dorms, showing real-time waste and recycling data for the campus. The system utilized GPS trackers and weigh scales installed on campus garbage trucks to automatically collect waste data, which was transmitted to a local database and displayed in real-time. The platform was designed to engage students by using game mechanics and emotive character designs to foster a connection with recycling efforts.

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Key Features:

• Real-Time Waste Data Collection:
  • GPS trackers and weigh scales on garbage trucks automatically weighed each garbage skip as trucks moved through campus.
  • Data was sent to a local database and integrated into the platform for real-time updates.
• Node Driver Integration:
  • A custom node driver was developed to capture the local waste data from the garbage trucks and display it on both a web browser and large digital screens.
• Recycling Performance Leaderboard:
  • The platform displayed a real-time leaderboard ranking the recycling performance of the 11 dorms based on the percentage of recycled waste.
  • The leaderboard was updated live as garbage trucks collected waste from each dorm.
• Emotive Character Gauge:
  • Each dorm was assigned a mascot—a banana slug character named "Slug Zero."
  • The slug's facial expressions (ranging from ecstatic to sad) reflected the dorm's recycling performance, creating an emotional connection with students and driving behavior change.
  • Behavioral science principles were used to influence students' emotional responses through these visual cues, encouraging higher recycling participation.
• Gamification and Engagement:
  • Game notification design elements were incorporated, turning recycling data into a competitive activity between dorms.
  • The mascot’s facial expression changes served as a motivational tool, fostering friendly competition and encouraging sustainable behaviors.

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This innovative platform leveraged real-time data, gamification, and emotional engagement to influence student recycling behaviors, creating a fun and interactive way for the university community to contribute to sustainability efforts.