ATUNLO

Product Experience

Problem Statement

How can we promote the upcycling of clothing and fabric waste in a way that not only makes it socially acceptable but also significantly reduces its environmental impact?

Problem Background

We’re facing a big waste problem in the world today. Every year, the world produces a massive 2.01 billion tonnes of garbage, and this is expected to increase by about 70% by 2050.

Clothing and fabric contribute a significant portion, about 7%, to this global waste, adding up to a massive 92 million tonnes. Shockingly, only 20% of these discarded textiles get collected, and merely 1% of that is turned into new clothes.

The fashion industry is one of the worst polluters worldwide. People throw away up to 85% of their clothing each year, causing environmental damage, using up valuable resources, and filling landfills.

Upcycling can help reduce the amount of fabric waste going to landfills. Our research found that 80% of the people we asked were open to finding ways to upcycle their old clothes instead of tossing them and 90% were also very likely to buy upcycled items.

Conventional clothing upcycling solutions have primarily focused on clothing to clothing, neglecting the space for creative expression through fabric transformation. Respondents have also voiced concerns about style, quality, hygiene, and safety in existing upcycling options. Style-wise, there's a struggle to keep up with current fashion trends, impacting user adoption. Quality issues may arise as upcycled garments might not meet commercial standards, affecting user confidence. Hygiene poses a challenge in ensuring thorough cleaning of pre-owned fabrics. Safety concerns arise from potential compromises in structural integrity.

Research Insights

Putting my own opinions aside, I conducted a survey and had seven interviews to gain deeper insights into the challenges people face when it comes to upcycling. The main question revolved around understanding the barriers they encounter during the upcycling process and exploring potential solutions that could motivate them to upcycle more. This friendly and exploratory approach allowed me to uncover valuable perspectives and preferences from potential users.

From the responses gathered from the survey and interviews, the following were the pain points:

Limited Awareness and Education:

• Limited awareness and education about upcycling is a key user pain point. Many participants expressed unfamiliarity with upcycling and its environmental benefits. Some admitted to not considering upcycling for their clothing items, highlighting a need for awareness campaigns.
• Participants emphasized the importance of frequent sensitization about fabric waste and the need for initiatives to encourage proper disposal.
• This pain point indicates an opportunity to enhance awareness, educate users, and dispel misconceptions to promote wider adoption of upcycling and responsible clothing practices.

Social Stigma and Stereotypes:

• Social stigma and stereotypes emerged as a significant user pain point, with approximately 52% of respondents expressing concerns. Participants highlighted stereotypes related to economic class and social status attached to upcycling or buying secondhand clothing.
• This suggests that individuals may feel judged or stigmatized based on their clothing choices, impacting their willingness to engage in sustainable practices. The fear of being negatively perceived due to upcycling practices could hinder people from making environmentally conscious choices, indicating the need to address and challenge these stereotypes for a more inclusive and accepting approach to sustainable fashion.
• Accessibility of Upcycling Options:
• The accessibility of upcycling options emerged as a user pain point, particularly related to the limited availability of creative choices. Respondents expressed frustration with the lack of diverse and imaginative upcycling ideas, indicating a desire for a broader range of options.
• Many participants felt constrained by the limited creative avenues offered by existing upcycling solutions, highlighting a need for a platform that provides an extensive and varied library of ideas.
• This suggests that users are seeking more inspiration and flexibility in transforming their clothing into unique and personalized pieces, emphasizing the importance of addressing this constraint for a more engaging and satisfying upcycling experience.

Concerns about Style, Quality, Hygiene, and Safety:

• Users commonly express concerns about the style, quality, hygiene, and safety of secondhand or upcycled clothing. The condition and wear of these items, coupled with uncertainties about hygiene standards, create barriers for potential upcyclers.
• To make upcycling more appealing, addressing these concerns is crucial. Clear communication and robust quality assurance measures can help build trust and encourage users to embrace upcycled fashion confidently.

Landing on the solution

After hearing from many people about their upcycling challenges, we identified key issues: lack of awareness, social judgment, limited creativity, and concerns about style and cleanliness.

Our solution is a user-friendly platform addressing these problems. It will offer upcycling education, a welcoming community, diverse creative ideas, and a focus on quality and creativity. Our goal is to make upcycling easy, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone.

Explanation of the solution

“Atunlo” – your go-to platform for a fantastic upcycling experience! We're on a mission to revolutionize the way you transform fabric waste into incredible art and home décor.

Our platform is packed with easy-to-follow tutorials, ensuring that whether you're a beginner or an experienced upcycler, you'll find inspiration and guidance tailored to your skill level.

Join our vibrant community where you can exchange ideas, seek advice, and collaborate on creative projects. Atunlo goes beyond just upcycling – we provide insights into the environmental impact of your creations. Track your contribution to reducing waste in landfills and be a part of the eco-conscious movement.

With a focus on quality and style, Atunlo is your partner in making upcycling not just a sustainable choice but a stylish and enjoyable one too. Let's embark on this exciting journey together and turn fabric waste into stunning pieces of art and décor.

User Flow Mockup: Registration on Atunlo

Welcome Screen:

• The user launches the Atunlo app.
• Welcoming screen with the Atunlo logo and a call-to-action to get started.

Sign-Up/Log-In Options:

• Two prominent options: "Sign Up" and "Login."
• Users new to Atunlo choose "Sign Up."

Registration Form:

• Full name, email address, and password fields.
• Option to sign up using Google or Apple for a quicker registration process.
• Checkbox for agreeing to terms and conditions.

Profile Creation:

• After successful registration, users are prompted to create a profile.
• Profile picture upload option.
• A brief introduction or bio section for users to share a bit about themselves.

Skill Level Selection:

• Users choose their skill level in upcycling: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced.
• This helps tailor the tutorial recommendations.

Interest Preferences:

• Users select their specific interests within upcycling (e.g., clothing, home decor, accessories).
• Allows Atunlo to provide personalized content.

Verification Email:

• Users receive a verification email to the provided address.
• Clicking the verification link confirms the authenticity of the email.

Welcome Message:

• Upon verification, a welcome message appears.
• A brief introduction to Atunlo's features and a call to action to start exploring.

Dashboard Access:

• Users are directed to the main dashboard.
• The dashboard displays personalized recommendations, tutorials, and community highlights.

Optional Features Exploration:

• At this point, users are free to explore optional features like the community forum, marketplace, and educational resources.

This user flow mockup ensures a smooth and user-friendly onboarding experience, setting the stage for users to dive into the diverse world of fabric upcycling with Atunlo.

Future steps

I plan to persist in developing this product beyond the Co.Lab experience, intending to incorporate the following features as the product evolves.

• Feedback Integration
• Enhanced Community Features
• Expanded Marketplace
• Mobile App Development
• Educational Partnerships
• Advanced Analytics
• Global Outreach
• Partnerships with Artists and Designers
• Continuous Research and Innovation

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