Case Study

waste not, DC

A zero-waste shopping app concept for Washington DC shoppers who want product discovery, store planning, and reusable shopping habits in one place.

UX case study Mobile app Sustainable retail

Project Overview

waste not, DC is a concept for a local zero-waste shopping application. The experience helps users discover package-free products, plan visits, and understand which stores match their needs.

Goal: Give shoppers a faster path to sustainable products and store details.
Role: UX designer and researcher shaping the app from problem framing to prototype.

User Research

The research centers on people who want to reduce waste but need more confidence before changing shopping routines. Common needs include product availability, location clarity, and quick comparisons.

Availability Users need to know whether stores carry the products they want.

Planning Sustainable shopping often requires advance preparation.

Clarity Store details, categories, and item lists should be quick to scan.

Motivation Small wins help users keep zero-waste habits realistic.

Design Process

The concept uses clear product categories, store information, and lightweight planning features. Missing original visuals are represented with local themed mockup panels.

Usability Study

Testing priorities include whether users can find store details, compare products, and move from browsing into a prepared shopping trip without extra friction.

Takeaways

The strongest opportunity is to make sustainable shopping feel less uncertain. Practical information, readable categories, and simple planning tools can help users act on their intent.