A Design Thinking Approach to Limiting Plastics in the Ocean
Date
2021-04-26
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Abstract
The ocean plays a vital role in maintaining life as we know it and in stimulating the Earth’s environmental balance. Unfortunately, due to increasing plastic litter in the ocean, humanity is currently facing devastating consequences ranging from climate change and the extinction of species, to the destruction of natural environments. As an Industrial Designer I felt the moral obligation to stimulate more sustainable ways to keep producing and innovating. Hence, the main objective of this thesis was to investigate whether a design thinking approach could lead to novel insights, methods, and practices that, if implemented in the design, fabrication, and use of goods, could significantly reduce plastic pollution of the oceans. To achieve this, I conducted an exhaustive literature review and obtained a general understanding of the subject. The review of the literature allowed me to develop a theoretical framework and identify key ideas required to support this research in addressing the problem. Additionally, I performed key informant interviews in order to collect perspectives and data from people who provided first-hand knowledge, experience, and insight into the nature of the problem and offer recommendations to potentially remediate the problem. The gathered information resulted in the development of a company that incentivizes proper waste disposal, collects organic waste, and turns it into biodegradable polymers, while supporting local vulnerable communities.
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Ocean conservation, Industrial Design, Cyclical economy, Plastic Pollution in the Ocean, Plastics in the Ocean, Bioplastics, Sustainability, Colombia, Organic Waste, Biopolymer, Waste Management, Community work
Citation
Castillo, J. (2021). A Design Thinking Approach to Limiting Plastics in the Ocean (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.