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Evaine Sun

B.S. Integrated Design and Media
minor in Anthropology
(about to graduate though)

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Central Park Trash Sign

  • Writer: Evaine Sun
    Evaine Sun
  • Nov 9, 2021
  • 2 min read

Updated: 4 days ago



A trash can sign to remind people of proper trash disposal at the Central Park in New York City designed collaboratively



Finding the Problem

We went around central park and found that one problem was navigating the park, as the location of signs were far apart and in inconvenient places.

Signs were located on lamposts, and viewers had to stand in the dirt rather than the walkway.
Signs were located on lamposts, and viewers had to stand in the dirt rather than the walkway.
Some signs were blocked by vegetation.
Some signs were blocked by vegetation.
Font was small, almost unreadable at a distance, and ignorable.
Font was small, almost unreadable at a distance, and ignorable.
It was inconvenient to find a map, which interferes in navigating the park.
It was inconvenient to find a map, which interferes in navigating the park.


Exploring Existing Solutions and Finalizing the Idea

Exploring existing solutions:

  • Existing maps show the most important attractions and facilities

  • Revamp of signs with “Conservancy Green” background

  • Meant to be bright, simple, easy to read

  • Excludes places of trash disposal

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Finalizing the idea:

  • We will create a trash sign so that they will be more likely hold their trash until they reach a trash can.

  • It will be designed to hang on the fence.

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Brainstorming

Trash disposal signs often remind the viewer to properly dispose of trash, but doesn’t indicate where the trash can is.
Trash disposal signs often remind the viewer to properly dispose of trash, but doesn’t indicate where the trash can is.
Despite numbers of trash bins, there was still litter consisted mostly of recyclable materials.
Despite numbers of trash bins, there was still litter consisted mostly of recyclable materials.
Reminders for proper trash disposal is often right above the trash, there is no sign directing people to it.
Reminders for proper trash disposal is often right above the trash, there is no sign directing people to it.


Prototyping

We made the digital prototype and then made the physical prototype based on cardbox.

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Revising

We revised the icon on the trash cans. We replaced the recycle icon with a paper icon and changed the colors.

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Final Work and Future Development

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Future development:

We went to Central Park and interviewed people on the effectiveness of the sign, and some feedback we received were that the size of the sign can be larger and more outstanding colors could be used.

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