E-Waste Memorial –
Say Goodbye. Recycle Meaningfully.
UI/UX Design
Description
Users create custom graves for old electronics by uploading memories like photos or music, then recycle them at a nearby store. The platform blends storytelling and sustainability to make recycling more meaningful and engaging.
My Role
User Research
Brand Strategy
UI Design
Team
Jiyoon Kim
Roy Kim
Jungmin Kim
Duration
3 Months
Problem Discovery
Most people delay recycling their old electronics not out of laziness, but emotional attachment or uncertainty. Devices often contain memories, feel “too valuable to toss,” or simply get forgotten. At the same time, many users — especially younger ones — don’t know what e-waste is or how to dispose of it properly. The result is a growing environmental issue driven by emotional and informational gaps.
The Challenge
How might we help people let go of their old electronics in a way that feels emotional and creative, while reinforcing a shared sense of responsibility?
Solution
E-Waste Memorial makes recycling a personal, creative farewell. Through digital memorials and impact tracking, it turns a solitary act into a shared, meaningful movement.
Learning about E-Waste
The tutorial provides users with information about the importance of the e-waste problem and its impact on our environment. It also offers a step-by-step guide on how to participate in the campaign.
Customize your Tombstone
Search and select the type of electronics you want to recycle. Then, customize your memorial space by adding music, your own drawing, and a quote for the headstone.
Virtual E-Waste Memorial
Go visit your newly opened memorial space. You can also visit other people’s memorials and see what kind of memories they have with their electronics.
Social Interactions
Users can search for their friends and show respect by laying down flowers.
My Page – Summary
Discover the impact of your e-waste recycling efforts!
Understanding the Problem Space
We conducted online research to understand the seriousness of e-waste issues, public awareness levels, and the common reasons people hold onto their old electronics.
Key Findings
Through user interviews and research, I discovered that people want weather information that helps them make practical, emotional, and social decisions.
1. E-waste continues to accumulate at a global scale.
Each year, over 50 million metric tons are produced worldwide — much of it left untreated, releasing hazardous substances into the environment.
2. Awareness and understanding of e-waste remain limited.
A majority of young Americans are unfamiliar with what e-waste is or how to dispose of it, often ending up tossing devices in the trash.
3. Emotional ties and uncertainty delay action.
People often hold onto old electronics due to sentimental value, vague intentions to resell or donate, privacy concerns, or simply forgetting they exist.
Strategic Partner Research
We assessed several companies to identify the ideal business partner aligned with our campaign goals and capable of supporting e-waste recycling efforts.
User Journey & Information Architecture
The journey guides users through awareness, personal expression, and real-world impact — making the recycling process memorable and motivating.
Design System
