Service Design Network
Author - Service Design Network

Service Design Award 2024 - Student Finalist

"What Can I do!?" is an innovative hybrid service aimed at eliminating the misconception surrounding clothing donation, traditionally viewed as an altruistic act. In light of the relentless damage inflicted by the fast fashion industry, this product offers a holistic ecosystem designed to empower users, cultivate conscious decision making and foster a community committed to reshaping the narrative for a more sustainable future both socially and environmentally.

Historically, clothing donation was perceived as a charitable gesture, serving the practical purpose of assisting the less fortunate. However, the rise of fast fashion has transformed this narrative into a grim reality, with overconsumption leading to the disposal of vast quantities of clothing. Shockingly, statistics reveal that approximately 80% of the staggering 92 million tonnes of clothing produced annually find their way into landfills or incinerators, exacerbating environmental degradation. In Germany alone, 77% of unwanted clothes are donated, while 16% are discarded, contributing to this alarming trend. Furthermore, only 12% of donated clothing reaches second-hand stores, with the majority exported to countries such as Kantamanto in Africa and the Middle East.

The challenge at hand was to design a comprehensive solution addressing both the social and environmental repercussions of used clothing disposal. The target market primarily comprises consumers (working women) aged 30-45 and second-hand stores. The objectives revolve around grasping diverse perspectives and individual needs to address this pressing issue, with a secondary objective to increase awareness regarding the risks associated with second-hand clothing disposal.

Through a combination of primary and secondary research methods, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, as well as cultural probes and guerrilla observations, key insights were obtained. These insights laid the groundwork for defining the problem statement and mapping the user journey, revealing the sense of helplessness experienced by individuals when confronted with clothing disposal.

The outcomes of this research informed the development of tangible solutions, encompassing both haptic and digital products. A service blueprint was crafted to illustrate the user experience comprehensively, from initiation to continued ongoing engagement within the ecosystem. Importantly, the impact of "What Can I do!?" extends beyond individual stakeholders, with the potential for scalable international outreach. By fostering collaboration on a global scale, this product seeks to catalyze systemic change, envisioning a future characterised by sustainability and social responsibility.The outcome also encompasses a  strategic roadmap for implementation in collective brand collaboration.

Through this product, a paradigm shift is envisioned, with recycled clothing catalyzing positive environmental and social impact. Moreover, second-hand industries stand to benefit from participation in this transformative endeavor, contributing to the holistic circularity of a sustainable world. Finally, "What Can I Do!?" aims to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), catalyzing societal change and nurturing a harmonious future with the planet and our community.

Service Designer: Nimisha Priya
Client/In house project: Master Thesis Project
Project Location(s): Berlin
Duration: 6 months
Year of Service Launch: 2023

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