Reusist: Developing Reuse Specialists
Project Type → Sustainable Design, Circular Economy, UX & Service Design
Timeline →Spring 2022
Client → SSAM & Linnaeus University
Keywords → Reuse, Sustainability, Circular Economy, Value Making, System Design, Co-creation, Furniture, Waste Management, Digital Presence, Public Service
Abstract/Executive Summary
The Reusist project evaluated and designed a reuse system for surplus furniture at Återbruket (SSAM) and Linnaeus University. Through design ethnography and workshops, we developed a proposal that promotes reuse and sustainability, targeting students and the general public. Our system focuses on sharing, repairing, redesigning, and digital accessibility to foster a circular economy.
01
Identifying the Problem
Context & Issue:
Analysis of the unsustainable disposal of surplus furniture and its environmental impact.​
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Objective:
Investigate the root causes of surplus furniture waste and identify stakeholders involved.
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Key Activities:
Design Ethnography:
Observations and artifact analysis at Återbruket and on-campus.
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Interviews & Questionnaires:
Gathering data from students and the public to understand behaviors and attitudes towards reuse.
02
Co-Creation and Collaboration
Objective:
Engage with stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions collaboratively.​
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Key Activities:
Workshops:
Conducting repair and redesign workshops to gather insights and encourage community involvement.​
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Stakeholder Meetings:
Collaborating with SSAM, Svenska Kyrkan, and housing companies to refine the project proposal.
03
Design and Development
Objective:
Develop a comprehensive system for reusing surplus furniture.​
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Key Activities:
Furniture Packages:
Curated sets of redesigned furniture pieces to meet essential needs.​
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Repair Initiatives:
Provided tools and spaces for furniture repair to extend the lifecycle of items.
Digital Presence:
Created an online inventory and crowdsourcing platform to improve accessibility and engagement.
04
Implementation and Testing
Objective:
Test the proposed system in a real-world setting to gather feedback and refine the approach.​
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Key Activities:
Reusist Room:
Set up a pilot space at Linnaeus University for students to practice reuse and repair.​
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Trial Runs:
Implemented small-scale trials to evaluate the effectiveness of the system and make necessary adjustments.
05
Results and Impact
Objective:
Assess the outcomes and impact of the project on sustainability and community behaviors.​
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Key Activities:
Positive Feedback:
High engagement and positive responses from participants and stakeholders.​
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Sustainability Impact:
Significant reduction in surplus furniture waste and promotion of circular economy practices.
Future Steps:
Scaling Up:
Plans for expanding the system with more stakeholders and broader implementation.
Ethical and Sustainability Considerations
Key considerations included:
Circular Economy:
Promoted circular economy principles by encouraging the reuse and redesign of surplus furniture.
Social Inclusion:
Ensured that the system was accessible and beneficial to a diverse range of users, including students and the general public.
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Environmental Impact:
Aimed to reduce furniture waste and its environmental impact through sustainable design practices.
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