ReTuren

Mind maps

To begin our design process, my team and I created several mind maps to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project based on the information provided by our client, VA SYD. We were given access to a building in the Spårvägen neighborhood called "Infopoint," (figure 1) which was constructed from shipping containers (figure 2). This one-floor space had electricity and ample room, making it ideal for meetings and workshops. In one of our mind maps (figure 3), we brainstormed effective methods for gathering essential data, such as the opinions and needs of local residents. The most popular methods identified in our mind map were culture probes/opinion boards, workshops, and coffee interviews.

Observations

We conducted a research trip to Spårvägen to gain a better understanding of the area and its residents. Some of the apartment buildings in the neighborhood were undergoing construction (figure 4). The rest of the area consisted of shops, a forthcoming square that was being used as a parking lot, a preschool, an Art Academy building, and several completed apartment buildings. We were given access to some of the apartment buildings where we set up our culture probes/opinion boards.

Interview with VA SYD

We met with our client from VA SYD to gather more information about the project and potential resources. They provided us with access to the Infopoint building and valuable contacts that would allow us to enter the apartment buildings. They also suggested visiting another ReTuren location in the neighborhood of Lindängen for additional insights.

Coffee interviews

We aimed to collect qualitative data from local residents through short interviews about recycling. We offered coffee and cookies as a thank-you for their time (figure 5). However, we had difficulty finding people to speak with as the area was not a popular destination due to the ongoing construction.

ReTuren Lindängen

During our visit to the established ReTuren in Lindängen, Malmö, we were impressed by the wide range of activities and resources offered to promote sustainability (figure 6). The large public building housed various recycling stations for electronics and donation areas for unwanted clothing and other items (figures 7 and 8). However, the staff noted that some visitors were taking excessive amounts of items, leading to the implementation of a limit of five items per day. They also emphasized the importance of having staff present to ensure proper use and recycling of the facilities.

Opinion boards

The goal of the opinion boards was to gather quantitative data on the residents' opinions through a democratic approach. We aimed to make every resident in the area feel included and able to have a say in shaping the future of ReTuren. The boards consisted of an A3-size paper with two questions related to recycling engagement (figure 9). The first question asked: "If you could design the neighborhood Spårvägen, what would you want?" And the second question was: "What would make you more engaged in recycling?"

We placed the opinion boards in the apartment buildings with accessible pencils and A4-size papers so residents could write their responses without our presence. After a week, we collected the boards and saw that the residents had a great interest in the topic (figure 10). Their opinions varied, but the most common were: improving container disposal, adding more recycling stations, and creating access to farming (figure 11).

Co-design workshop

The co-design process was crucial in bringing all stakeholders together to collaborate and co-create the vision for ReTuren. We utilized our access to the local apartment buildings to invite residents to participate in a workshop at the Infopoint building. Our client from VA SYD also joined us for the workshop. The event consisted of two activities, both of which were inspired by our teacher, Pelle Ehn, during a lecture on future workshops.

The first activity, known as the critique phase, involved participants using post-it notes to highlight any problems they had with waste handling and recycling in the neighborhood. We recorded these issues on large pieces of paper displayed on the wall (figure 12). The group then discussed these problems and provided feedback, with the representative from VA SYD on hand to answer any questions they had. Some of the common issues raised by participants included a lack of facilities to dispose of or collect fabrics, a shortage of waste handling and recycling stations, and a need for more garbage cans in the area, particularly in the upcoming square. They also discussed how ReTuren should be operated, with residents wanting exclusive access to the building and staff present to ensure proper recycling.

In the second activity, known as the fantasy phase (figure 13), participants were divided into two groups and given the opportunity to use their creativity to design the content of ReTuren. We had prepared physical prototypes, made of wood and featuring a printed layout of the neighborhood, which we had created using a laser-cutting machine. These prototypes provided a clear visual of the location of ReTuren as well as the Art Academy building, allowing participants to recognize the area of Spårvägen (figure 14). We provided materials such as scissors, glue, pencils, paper, and cardboard for participants to use in creating their designs. They placed their ideas on paper and attached them to the prototypes in their designated locations. For example, if an event was planned to take place outside the building, the note would be placed on the prototype outside of ReTuren. One group even used cardboard to build the building itself and placed their notes inside. Overall, the workshop was a great success, with participants demonstrating a high level of creativity and engagement in the process.

The participants had a range of different ideas. The eight most popular ideas were:

• A notice board: Both digitally on Facebook and physically where the locals could announce, for instance, events or the need of borrowing items.

• Workshops and events: To increase the locals' knowledge regarding recycling and sustainability.

• Workshop for repairs: For instance, to fix bicycles and furniture.

• Meeting place: To create a sense of community and a focus on sustainability.

• A library of things: A place to give away or borrow items and materials.

• Flea market: To sell unwanted and used items and furniture.

• Area for farming: To have the opportunity to farm.

• Arts and crafts: To collaborate with Arts Academy, for instance, creative workshops for children or to learn art forms.

The second iteration of the opinion boards

We conducted a second round of opinion boards to gather feedback on the most popular ideas from the co-design workshop. This time, we aimed to be transparent and give other residents in Spårvägen the opportunity to provide their thoughts on the outcomes of the workshop. The process was similar to the first round of opinion boards, and the results were overwhelmingly positive for all the ideas, as seen in the responses (figure 15). The feedback we received further validated the ideas and helped us to refine them before presenting them to VA SYD.

Learning takeaways

• Acquired knowledge of participatory design and its practices

• Discovered that creativity can come from anyone, regardless of their knowledge or experience

• Gained expertise in creating efficient and effective cultural probes for gathering quantitative data on target audiences

• Developed skills in structuring and facilitating engaging co-design workshops with teams and relevant stakeholders

• Gained valuable experience in working with clients such as VA SYD, including participation in interviews and co-design workshops.