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Work

About

CV

Contact

A selection of my favourite projects

+49 (0)30 44 92 28 22

hello@template.com

Instagram

Twitter

From Waste to Worth

Designing for a Sustainable Kitchen Future

Timeline

10 weeks

.

TEAM

3 designers

Project Introduction

Project Introduction

This project, initiated at Chalmers University, aimed to develop an interactive mobile solution that seamlessly integrates with the circular kitchen service model. This design project heavily focused on research and different design methods and use those to solve the user problem.

Design goal

Design goal

The main goal was to design a user experience to create support for sustainable consuming behaviours from the Kitchen ID mobile application.


| How might we support sustainable consumer behavior by helping users to track, repair, recycle, and resell their kitchen furniture?

Industry

Industry

Industry

Home & Kitchen

Sustainability

B2C

My Role

My Role

My Role

UX Designer

Platform

Platform

Platform

Mobile

Timeline

Timeline

Timeline

10 weeks

Personas → Who did we design for?

Personas → Who did we design for?

Nina & Robin (Parents)
Main goals:

Build flexible storage solutions that adapt as their children grow

Create multifunctional spaces that support family activities and routines

Need pet-friendly layouts and furniture planning for future adoption

Wendy (Property owner)
Main goals:

Have low-maintenance interiors that preserve her personal style

Create clear separation of tenant responsibilities to avoid daily involvement

Need smart, durable furnishings that can handle wear-and-tear without constant repair

Jim (Aspiring Entrepreneur)
Main goals:

Have accessible kitchen and storage systems designed for limited mobility

Have ergonomic furniture and fixtures to support independent living

Need smart home features to reduce physical strain in daily tasks

High level process

High level process

[01] User research & problem definition

Conducted research on the circular kitchen lifecycle, identifying barriers to sustainability.

Analyzed key user pain points like difficulty in kitchen repairs, trust issues with sustainable choices, and poor kitchen component aging.

Explored the potential of RFID technology for tracking and scanning kitchen components efficiently.

[02] Ideation

Created personas based on ethnographic data to define user needs, behaviors, and frustrations.

Developed storyboards to visualize real-life interactions and refine potential app features.

Mapped user journeys, identifying pain points and opportunities for new features like kitchen tips and assembly guides.

[03] Designing the UI and UX

Organized ideas into categories using the KJ technique: service, recommendations, trace & track, guide, plans, purchase, sustainability, and social community.

Developed a UX target table to align user tasks with design goals, ensuring features were user-centered.

Created information architecture to prioritize features and define user flow before designing wireframes.

[04] Testing & iteration

Conducted low-fidelity usability testing, gathering feedback on feature prioritization and flow using card sorting and sticky notes.

Validated the design with 9 participants during high-fidelity testing, focusing on key tasks like scanning components and navigating repair guides.

Refined the design based on feedback, simplifying navigation, improving error prevention, and enhancing scannability for better usability.

Key learnings

Key learnings

Evolving Design Based on Real User Behavior
We learned that design decisions must be driven by actual user needs and behaviors rather than assumptions. Shifting from a product-purchase focus to an emphasis on kitchen management and sustainability was crucial in addressing real user challenges.
Circularity Requires Both Emotional and Functional Incentives
Users are more likely to engage with circular solutions when there’s an emotional connection to sustainability, as well as clear, functional benefits like easier repairs, product longevity, and cost savings.
Transitioning Focus from Consumption to Maintenance
The most significant pivot in the project was moving from a purchase-driven model to one focused on extending the lifespan of kitchen components. This change better aligned with user values and sustainable practices.

My role in a team of 3 designers

My role in a team of 3 designers

✏️ Conducted secondary research on kitchen furniture industry, barriers to kitchen circularity, emotional durability and product

✏️ Conducted secondary research on kitchen circularity, user behavior, and industry barriers
✏️ Defined personas, scenarios, and user journey maps
✏️ Proposed information architecture to guide prototyping
✏️ Designed low and high-fidelity prototypes (9-10 screens)
✏️ Facilitated usability testing workshops to gather user feedback

Jumping into the process (in-depth)

Jumping into the process (in-depth)

Jumping into the process (in-depth)

📌 Phase 1: Research & Problem Analysis

This phases mostly focused on gathering requirements, researching similar existing apps and also understanding the circular kitchen cycle as seen in the picture below.

To create an effective solution, we first analyzed the circular kitchen lifecycle and identified key barriers:


Key Findings:

💡 Kitchen aging & poor repairability discourage circular practices

💡 Users find renovation necessary for enjoyment, yet struggle with trust & emotional attachment to sustainable choices

💡 RFID technology was the most viable option for easy scanning & tracking of kitchen components

This phases mostly focused on gathering requirements, researching similar existing apps and also understanding the circular kitchen cycle as seen in the picture below.

To create an effective solution, we first analyzed the circular kitchen lifecycle and identified key barriers:


Key Findings:

💡 Kitchen aging & poor repairability discourage circular practices

💡 Users find renovation necessary for enjoyment, yet struggle with trust & emotional attachment to sustainable choices

💡 RFID technology was the most viable option for easy scanning & tracking of kitchen components

This phases mostly focused on gathering requirements, researching similar existing apps and also understanding the circular kitchen cycle as seen in the picture below.

To create an effective solution, we first analyzed the circular kitchen lifecycle and identified key barriers:

Key Findings:

💡 Kitchen aging & poor repairability discourage circular practices

💡 Users find renovation necessary for enjoyment, yet struggle with trust & emotional attachment to sustainable choices

💡 RFID technology was the most viable option for easy scanning & tracking of kitchen components

📌 Phase 2: Defining User Needs

Using ethnographic data, we created personas to represent key user groups and developed storyboards to explore solutions. Finally, we mapped a persona’s journey with the Kitchen ID app, identifying positive, negative, and neutral moments in their experience.

Personas
We look at the behavior patterns of our target users using desk research, and constructed patterns of interaction that smoothly matched the mental models, and goals of users. We created three personas based on research insights to represent key user groups with distinct needs, behaviors, and goals. Each persona included details such as age, life goals, and kitchen-related frustrations, providing a clear understanding of their expectations. These personas guided our design decisions, ensuring solutions were iterative, testable, and aligned with real user needs.

Using ethnographic data, we created personas to represent key user groups and developed storyboards to explore solutions. Finally, we mapped a persona’s journey with the Kitchen ID app, identifying positive, negative, and neutral moments in their experience.

Personas
We look at the behavior patterns of our target users using desk research, and constructed patterns of interaction that smoothly matched the mental models, and goals of users. We created three personas based on research insights to represent key user groups with distinct needs, behaviors, and goals. Each persona included details such as age, life goals, and kitchen-related frustrations, providing a clear understanding of their expectations. These personas guided our design decisions, ensuring solutions were iterative, testable, and aligned with real user needs.

Using ethnographic data, we created personas to represent key user groups and developed storyboards to explore solutions. Finally, we mapped a persona’s journey with the Kitchen ID app, identifying positive, negative, and neutral moments in their experience.

Personas
We look at the behavior patterns of our target users using desk research, and constructed patterns of interaction that smoothly matched the mental models, and goals of users. We created three personas based on research insights to represent key user groups with distinct needs, behaviors, and goals. Each persona included details such as age, life goals, and kitchen-related frustrations, providing a clear understanding of their expectations. These personas guided our design decisions, ensuring solutions were iterative, testable, and aligned with real user needs.

Storyboards
We discussed what could happen in each persona’s story in real life and wrote down the script of three storyboards. Then we produced the illustrative outcomes and did a few adjustments based on team members feedback. The storyboards helped us determine several interesting features that can be attractive to our target users. These features were initial and rough in this phase and in the following iterations they evolved a lot.

Storyboards
We discussed what could happen in each persona’s story in real life and wrote down the script of three storyboards. Then we produced the illustrative outcomes and did a few adjustments based on team members feedback. The storyboards helped us determine several interesting features that can be attractive to our target users. These features were initial and rough in this phase and in the following iterations they evolved a lot.

User Journey Map
After digging into the positive, negative and neutral moments of users, we found some opportunities for designing new features for the app. For example, to provide well-designed kitchen tips for inspiration, to offer a user-friendly guide on how to assemble and disassemble the components, to provide a great customer support system, etc. What we pictured in mind was that this app is more than just a tool, but a close partner in managing, maintaining, and renovating the kitchen.

User Journey Map
After digging into the positive, negative and neutral moments of users, we found some opportunities for designing new features for the app. For example, to provide well-designed kitchen tips for inspiration, to offer a user-friendly guide on how to assemble and disassemble the components, to provide a great customer support system, etc. What we pictured in mind was that this app is more than just a tool, but a close partner in managing, maintaining, and renovating the kitchen.

Storyboards
We discussed what could happen in each persona’s story in real life and wrote down the script of three storyboards. Then we produced the illustrative outcomes and did a few adjustments based on team members feedback. The storyboards helped us determine several interesting features that can be attractive to our target users. These features were initial and rough in this phase and in the following iterations they evolved a lot.

User Journey Map
After digging into the positive, negative and neutral moments of users, we found some opportunities for designing new features for the app. For example, to provide well-designed kitchen tips for inspiration, to offer a user-friendly guide on how to assemble and disassemble the components, to provide a great customer support system, etc. What we pictured in mind was that this app is more than just a tool, but a close partner in managing, maintaining, and renovating the kitchen.

📌 Phase 3: Ideation & Feature Development

KJ technique

Based on the initial design materials we have, we started to brainstorm about features we can have on this app. By using the KJ technique , we sorted our ideation notes into 8 groups - service, recommendation, trace and tack, guide, plans/choices, purchase, sustainability index, and social community. At this stage, we thought about different technical features like AR, image recognition, RFID detection, etc. We selected the most vital features we wanted to keep in the app according to the user and stakeholder needs and focus on further developing them.

KJ technique
Based on the initial design materials we have, we started to brainstorm about features we can have on this app. By using the KJ technique , we sorted our ideation notes into 8 groups - service, recommendation, trace and tack, guide, plans/choices, purchase, sustainability index, and social community. At this stage, we thought about different technical features like AR, image recognition, RFID detection, etc. We selected the most vital features we wanted to keep in the app according to the user and stakeholder needs and focus on further developing them.

UX target Table
Subsequently, we made a UX table that transforms user tasks to UX goals. UX table is an adaptive version of the UX target Table which is a spreadsheet demonstrating the work role and related user class to which this UX target applies, the associated UX goal, and the UX measure . We simplified this table by only keeping the columns of UX goals, User class to better use it as an ideation tool in the early design phase.

UX target Table
Subsequently, we made a UX table that transforms user tasks to UX goals. UX table is an adaptive version of the UX target Table which is a spreadsheet demonstrating the work role and related user class to which this UX target applies, the associated UX goal, and the UX measure . We simplified this table by only keeping the columns of UX goals, User class to better use it as an ideation tool in the early design phase.

KJ technique

Based on the initial design materials we have, we started to brainstorm about features we can have on this app. By using the KJ technique , we sorted our ideation notes into 8 groups - service, recommendation, trace and tack, guide, plans/choices, purchase, sustainability index, and social community. At this stage, we thought about different technical features like AR, image recognition, RFID detection, etc. We selected the most vital features we wanted to keep in the app according to the user and stakeholder needs and focus on further developing them.

UX target Table
Subsequently, we made a UX table that transforms user tasks to UX goals. UX table is an adaptive version of the UX target Table which is a spreadsheet demonstrating the work role and related user class to which this UX target applies, the associated UX goal, and the UX measure . We simplified this table by only keeping the columns of UX goals, User class to better use it as an ideation tool in the early design phase.

📌 Phase 4: Prototyping & Iterations

Information Architecture
Before beginning the actually wireframes, we wanted to make sure that we agreed on the priority of different features and the user flow, which is why we created an information architecture. At this stage we made a trade-off between features and steps, as well as came up with the sequence of interfaces.

Information Architecture
Before beginning the actually wireframes, we wanted to make sure that we agreed on the priority of different features and the user flow, which is why we created an information architecture. At this stage we made a trade-off between features and steps, as well as came up with the sequence of interfaces.

Low Fidelity Prototype
During prototyping, we focused on ensuring smooth task completion while considering different user sub-groups.


Key steps included:

✨ User Considerations: Designed features to accommodate both new and existing users, particularly emphasizing a recommendation feature to help novice users explore kitchen plans.

✨ Webshop Emphasis: Initially, the prototype centered around the purchasing flow to encourage furniture sales.

✨ Customization Challenges: The kitchen customization planner posed challenges in balancing complexity and usability.

✨ Pivot After Feedback:

  • After a feedback workshop and discussions with supervisors, the focus shifted from purchasing to maintenance and management.

  • The design was repositioned to support existing Kitchen ID users in tracking and maintaining their kitchens rather than attracting new buyers.

✨ Sustainability Focus: Adjustments were made to promote sustainable practices and reduce overconsumption.

Low Fidelity Prototype
During prototyping, we focused on ensuring smooth task completion while considering different user sub-groups.

Key steps included:

✨ User Considerations: Designed features to accommodate both new and existing users, particularly emphasizing a recommendation feature to help novice users explore kitchen plans.

✨ Webshop Emphasis: Initially, the prototype centered around the purchasing flow to encourage furniture sales.

✨ Customization Challenges: The kitchen customization planner posed challenges in balancing complexity and usability.

✨ Pivot After Feedback:

  • After a feedback workshop and discussions with supervisors, the focus shifted from purchasing to maintenance and management.

  • The design was repositioned to support existing Kitchen ID users in tracking and maintaining their kitchens rather than attracting new buyers.

✨ Sustainability Focus: Adjustments were made to promote sustainable practices and reduce overconsumption.

High Fidelity Prototype
The high-fidelity prototype went through three iterations, refining design elements based on usability testing and best practices.


🔁 Iteration 1: Initial Design

Explored interface layouts, components, fonts, and colors. Followed Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines (2020) for UI consistency.


🔁 Iteration 2: Refinement

Applied Cooper et al. (2014) principles for clear feedback (icons, text, colors) and design consistency across screens.


🔁 Iteration 3: Final Improvements

Enhanced customer service categorization and notifications. Simplified navigation and improved text/icons based on usability tests. These refinements ensured a seamless and user-friendly experience.

High Fidelity Prototype
The high-fidelity prototype went through three iterations, refining design elements based on usability testing and best practices.

🔁 Iteration 1: Initial Design
Explored interface layouts, components, fonts, and colors. Followed Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines (2020) for UI consistency.

🔁 Iteration 2: Refinement
Applied Cooper et al. (2014) principles for clear feedback (icons, text, colors) and design consistency across screens.

🔁 Iteration 3: Final Improvements
Enhanced customer service categorization and notifications. Simplified navigation and improved text/icons based on usability tests. These refinements ensured a seamless and user-friendly experience.
Information Architecture
Before beginning the actually wireframes, we wanted to make sure that we agreed on the priority of different features and the user flow, which is why we created an information architecture. At this stage we made a trade-off between features and steps, as well as came up with the sequence of interfaces.
Low Fidelity Prototype
During prototyping, we focused on ensuring smooth task completion while considering different user sub-groups.

Key steps included:

✨ User Considerations: Designed features to accommodate both new and existing users, particularly emphasizing a recommendation feature to help novice users explore kitchen plans.

✨ Webshop Emphasis: Initially, the prototype centered around the purchasing flow to encourage furniture sales.

✨ Customization Challenges: The kitchen customization planner posed challenges in balancing complexity and usability.

✨ Pivot After Feedback:

  • After a feedback workshop and discussions with supervisors, the focus shifted from purchasing to maintenance and management.

  • The design was repositioned to support existing Kitchen ID users in tracking and maintaining their kitchens rather than attracting new buyers.

✨ Sustainability Focus: Adjustments were made to promote sustainable practices and reduce overconsumption.
High Fidelity Prototype
The high-fidelity prototype went through three iterations, refining design elements based on usability testing and best practices.

🔁 Iteration 1: Initial Design
Explored interface layouts, components, fonts, and colors. Followed Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines (2020) for UI consistency.

🔁 Iteration 2: Refinement
Applied Cooper et al. (2014) principles for clear feedback (icons, text, colors) and design consistency across screens.

🔁 Iteration 3: Final Improvements
Enhanced customer service categorization and notifications. Simplified navigation and improved text/icons based on usability tests. These refinements ensured a seamless and user-friendly experience.

📌 Phase 5: Usability Testing & Refinements

🛠 Low-Fidelity Usability Testing

We conducted a feedback workshop with experts, where participants were asked to prioritize features using card sorting and write feedback on sticky notes about what they liked, wanted to change, or found confusing.


👨‍💻 High-Fidelity Usability Testing

To validate our design, we conducted usability tests with 9 participants across different backgrounds and age groups. Users were given five key tasks—including scanning a kitchen component, navigating repair guides, and exploring the marketplace—to evaluate ease of use and clarity.


Key Refinements Post-Testing:

🔍 Simplified customer service flow

🔍 Improved error prevention in navigation

🔍 Enhanced scannability of kitchen components

🛠 Low-Fidelity Usability Testing
We conducted a feedback workshop with experts, where participants were asked to prioritize features using card sorting and write feedback on sticky notes about what they liked, wanted to change, or found confusing.

👨‍💻 High-Fidelity Usability Testing
To validate our design, we conducted usability tests with 9 participants across different backgrounds and age groups. Users were given five key tasks—including scanning a kitchen component, navigating repair guides, and exploring the marketplace—to evaluate ease of use and clarity.

Key Refinements Post-Testing:

🔍 Simplified customer service flow

🔍 Improved error prevention in navigation

🔍 Enhanced scannability of kitchen components

🛠 Low-Fidelity Usability Testing

We conducted a feedback workshop with experts, where participants were asked to prioritize features using card sorting and write feedback on sticky notes about what they liked, wanted to change, or found confusing.


👨‍💻 High-Fidelity Usability Testing

To validate our design, we conducted usability tests with 9 participants across different backgrounds and age groups. Users were given five key tasks—including scanning a kitchen component, navigating repair guides, and exploring the marketplace—to evaluate ease of use and clarity.


Key Refinements Post-Testing:

🔍 Simplified customer service flow

🔍 Improved error prevention in navigation

🔍 Enhanced scannability of kitchen components

Final Outcome & Reflections

Final Outcome & Reflections

Final Outcome & Reflections

The Kitchen ID App was transformed from a purchase-focused tool to a holistic circular kitchen management platform, enabling users to extend product lifespan, reduce waste, and embrace sustainability.


Key Learnings:
🚀 Design must evolve based on real user behavior, not assumptions
🚀 Circularity needs both emotional and functional incentives
🚀 Shifting focus from consumption to maintenance was a pivotal move


Possible Next Steps:

🎯 Integrate RFID scanning for better component tracking

🎯 Introduce a community marketplace for component exchange

🎯 Optimize guidance flows based on real-world kitchen habits

The Kitchen ID App was transformed from a purchase-focused tool to a holistic circular kitchen management platform, enabling users to extend product lifespan, reduce waste, and embrace sustainability.

Key Learnings:
🚀 Design must evolve based on real user behavior, not assumptions
🚀 Circularity needs both emotional and functional incentives
🚀 Shifting focus from consumption to maintenance was a pivotal move

Possible Next Steps:

🎯 Integrate RFID scanning for better component tracking

🎯 Introduce a community marketplace for component exchange

🎯 Optimize guidance flows based on real-world kitchen habits

The Kitchen ID App was transformed from a purchase-focused tool to a holistic circular kitchen management platform, enabling users to extend product lifespan, reduce waste, and embrace sustainability.

Key Learnings:
🚀 Design must evolve based on real user behavior, not assumptions
🚀 Circularity needs both emotional and functional incentives
🚀 Shifting focus from consumption to maintenance was a pivotal move

Possible Next Steps:

🎯 Integrate RFID scanning for better component tracking

🎯 Introduce a community marketplace for component exchange

🎯 Optimize guidance flows based on real-world kitchen habits

Credits

Credits

Credits

Closing Thoughts

This project proved that smart design can turn sustainability into second nature—seamless, intuitive, and effortlessly impactful.

UX METHODS

Desk research

Personas

Storyboards

User journey mapping

KJ technique

UX target table

Information architecture

Prototyping

Usability testing

Tools

Figma

Miro

Google sheets

team

Designer 1

Siqi Li

Designer 3

Tanvi Vidhate

Designer 2

Lujia Peng

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Get in touch

Send an email or DM and I'll get back to you asap.

All rights reserved © 2025

Get in touch

Send an email or DM and I'll get back to you asap.

All rights reserved © 2025

Get in touch

Send an email or DM and I'll get back to you asap.

All rights reserved © 2025

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