Recycling Bin by Joshua Ng - Inspired by Project Better Map

A few weeks ago, we went down to Brick Lane to test out an Augmented Reality design research tool. One of the things I am developing for www.project-better.com.

Joshua Ng, product designer at Central Saint Martins, checked out the Project Better Map and the data. And decided to do something.

What he realized was that there was a strong theme: Cleanliness. There was a lot of full bins and garbage everywhere.

Well, he decided to take things in his own hands and designed a solution: Recycling bin, custom made for Brick Lane.

This is what it looks like.

It's made from upcycled water bottles. With the rim of another garbage bin. At the top is a stenciled reclamed plywood.

He tested it on 25th of March, 2012. And let me tell you, I have never seen people take pictures of recycling bins before this one.

I think this is an example of what is possible with Project Better. Once people speak up for the better, people will take action. One cusomt-made recycling bin at a time.

Brick Lane Would Be Better If - Design Research with Augmented Reality

A big beautiful project is being prepared. This is a part of it. It's an experiment. A few designers will test this experiment with me on Sunday 11th of March 2012. The results will be published soon. The experiment is design research through Augmented Reality.

Designers will walk through Brick Lane with their smartphones. Designers will take pictures, write notes, interview people and come up with ideas... To make Brick Lane Better.

All data will streamed to the cloud and will be available on a map. Soon accessible to everyone.

Here is a little preview.