Gloset
Application
A pioneering tool aiming to mitigate the impact of fast fashion on climate change. This project is the result of a collaborative effort by students at the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business, University of Waterloo. The application is designed to streamline eco-friendly goods, making sustainable choices more accessible and appealing to younger consumers.
My Role
Throughout the Gloset development, I spearheaded the integration of Behavioral Change Techniques into the Gloset app, crafted its prototype, and conducted Think Aloud sessions to capture user feedback. My efforts were key in ensuring the app not only functioned effectively but also genuinely encouraged sustainable behaviors.
Problem Statement
Climate change continues to be a pressing issue, with unsustainable consumption being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The fashion industry, particularly fast fashion, is notorious for its environmental impact. This project addresses the need for accessible solutions that encourage sustainable consumerism.
Research Question
How can modernized apps integrate behavioral change techniques (BCT) to create a circular economy and encourage the younger generation to live sustainably to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?
Significant environmental damage caused by fast fashion, includes water pollution, waste accumulation, and high carbon emissions, necessitating solutions for sustainable consumption.
Impact of Fast Fashion
Barriers to sustainable living include lack of awareness, accessibility issues, and higher costs, which influence consumer behaviours and attitudes towards eco-friendly products.
Consumer Behaviour Challenges
Investigations into how mobile applications and web platforms can encourage eco-friendly practices, track sustainable purchases, and provide users with information and incentives for green living.
Technology for Sustainability
Various strategies are analyzed to motivate consumers towards sustainable habits, including rewards systems, gamification, and education about the environmental impact of their choices.
Behavioural Change Techniques
Related Work
Research and Testing Strategies
Solution
A solution aimed at promoting a green and trendy wardrobe by guiding individuals in shopping sustainably.
Vision: To develop a cohesive database that aids users in making informed and sustainable choices for clothes, makeup, and accessories while bringing transparency to the garment manufacturing process.
Features
All features are curated by keeping behavioral change techniques in mind such as, problem solving, action planning, incentives, exposure, feedback, and more!
Shop New
Allows users to identify mainstream and small-business-owned sustainable brands, excluding fast fashion companies, and presents brands' social responsibility acts and ranks.
Sustainability Options
Users can thrift, rent, sell, donate, and have tailoring options, all curated to create a one-stop-shop for sustainable shopping.
Shop New
Includes reward systems, current events updates, and analytics illustrating the user's environmental impact.
Results and Feedback
Gained through Think-Aloud protocol and Participant data.
1
User Demographics
and Motivations
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Women under 35 were identified as the primary target demographic, with their shopping habits largely influenced by social media and influencers.
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Users generally appreciated the app for its potential to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle but pointed out some areas needing clarification and improvement.
2
Feedback on User Identification
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Users expressed hesitation in identifying their gender during sign-up, questioning its relevance. The team recognized the need to clarify the importance of this data for understanding different gender perspectives on sustainability.
3
Branding and Feature Clarity
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Confusion around the app's name 'Gloset' suggested a need for better initial branding and explanation.
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The "My Closet" feature was misunderstood, leading to suggestions for a more intuitive "wishlist" or "pick a look" feature and enhanced shopping recommendations from local sustainable stores.
4
Marketing and Accessibility for Broader Impact
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Strategic marketing, particularly through platforms like TikTok, is crucial to expanding the user base and increasing the app's impact on reducing fast fashion consumption.
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Promoting the idea of streamlined sustainability and addressing user concerns upfront are key strategies for encouraging more widespread adoption of the app.
Future Dimensions
The team has addressed climate action by focusing on the fast fashion industry and proposing the Gloset app, a tool based on behavioral change techniques to encourage sustainable consumption. While initial tests show promise, there's room for improvement, particularly in understanding user needs and enhancing marketing strategies. The future of Gloset hinges on continuous improvement and adaptation, leveraging data and user feedback to foster a more sustainable and environmentally conscious consumer base.
