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SORTiE
branding. 3D. packaging design. motion graphics.ui/ux.
If you’ve ever walked around NYC, it's virtually impossible to encounter a trash-free street. I've always wondered why the waste management system was so atrocious, leading me to investigate. I discovered that improper waste disposal is one of the biggest contributing factors to the waste management problem in the city. I also discovered just how bad the rodent problem is (did you know the rats don't cross boroughs?), and how trash is at the root of many other health, safety, and systemic issues the city faces. This prompted my idea for SORTiE, a speculative project exploring the future of public waste.
As the target demographic would be the general public, which covers a large range of ages, I knew I needed to create something that appealed to children yet remained easy to use for older citizens. I drew inspiration from other cities such as Tokyo and Amsterdam (notoriously clean cities) as well as The Sims to get an idea of what speculative functions a bin could have. This is where SORTiE ( a play on the French word for exit) came to life — a smart trashcan that encourages the public to sort their waste properly.
SORTiE is controlled through its’ no-contact e-ink display to ensure a smooth, hygienic experience. The interface allows users to indicate the type of waste they are discarding, and SORTiE slides open different compartments accordingly. The smart technology in SORTiE checks that the objects discarded are in the proper compartment. The bin contains self-cleaning UV lights and is attached to various tubes so the waste exits the bin frequently to prevent buildup. Additionally, this small step in discarding waste aims to shift our consumption habits and allow us to reflect on how we can reduce our waste production.