Biogenic domestic waste—exploring select dimensions of socio technical innovation using design probe

Abstract

The aim of this research paper is to explore select dimension of social innovation through design that communicates and signals for behavioral change towards behavioral transformation of citizens/consumers. The study focuses on waste utilization by developing a case for an innovative product-service business system specifically designed for campus communities/high-rise buildings/and urban residential colonies. The study probes an economic solution for large scale composting and design driven customer education on the matters of sustainability and increased environmental responsibility. Urban Citizens behavior towards organic waste is studied to design a self/citizen driven a product-service business system where composting form the core. As waste handling in many Indian cities suffers from various social taboos, so a design probe based research method is adopted to generate preliminary data and insight through direct and indirect observation. This research approach helped to generate empathic design ideas and to explore theories regarding consumption innovation. The paper outlines the emerging theory of societal design and understanding of second life for the biogenic domestic waste and how to convert it into a new product for a new market and how waste can be an incentive for generating social innovation. This project situates design as a core component in the social process of transitioning to a novel system of composting. Initial results support that design has a critical role to play in facilitating social learning in systemic innovation.