How to design backwards to move forward?
My team and I was selected to collaborate with Philips Experience Design at the Student Service Design Challenge 2021 that encouraged us to design a service or a product around the concept of ''reverse logistics'' to close the loop of an existing product that enable the return of used products and materials for recovery, reuse, repair, remanufacturing and/or recycling.
We addressed the significant problem of pharmaceutical waste and its detrimental effects on the environment and public health in Spain. With a high density of pharmacies, there is substantial waste from unused, expired, and improperly disposed medications, leading to contamination and antibiotic resistance. My role was pivotal in developing a service that engages users and streamlines pharmaceutical waste management. This effort aimed to create a sustainable impact on both the environment and public health.
The incorrect disposal of medicines is the common practice in Spain
Our primary challenge was the public's lack of awareness about the environmental and health impacts of improper medication disposal, leading to incorrect practices and accumulation of expired medications at home. Additionally, the current reverse logistics system in Spain, managed by SIGRE, is inefficient and faces logistical and regulatory issues, hindering proper disposal.
We aimed to leverage behavioural science to encourage positive behaviour with our solution, by engaging users, particularly young adults who prefer digital solutions, in responsible medication management.
Encouraging positive behaviour
Repill offers a variety of functionalities such as online medication purchase, waste recovery, medication intake and expiry reminders, and direct communication with pharmacists. It also incentivises the return of expired medications through a rewards system, fostering responsible behaviour and reducing waste.
After 9 months of such an insightful project, I can conclude that the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and user-centric design became evident while designing Repill. A solution that fits seamlessly into users' lifestyles enhances engagement and encourages responsible behaviour. Repill reinforced my belief in innovative design's power to address environmental challenges and sparked curiosity about future possibilities in sustainable waste management.
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