Lasso Loop
A companion app to the Lasso in-home recycling appliance
Use Case
Use Case
Use Case
Client-based Project
Client-based Project
Client-based Project
Timeline
Timeline
Timeline
Aug 2024 - Dec 2024
Aug 2024 - Dec 2024
Aug 2024 - Dec 2024
My Role
My Role
My Role
UX Designer
UX Researcher
UX Designer
UX Researcher
UX Designer
UX Researcher
Team
Team
Team
Yiming Xia - UXD
Justin Lee - UXR
Yidi Lin - UXR
Yiming Xia - UXD
Justin Lee - UXR
Yidi Lin - UXR
Yiming Xia - UXD
Justin Lee - UXR
Yidi Lin - UXR
Background
Lasso Loop is an in-home recycling appliance that simplifies how you recycle
Lasso Loop is an in-home recycling appliance that simplifies how you recycle
Lasso Loop is an in-home recycling appliance that simplifies how you recycle
Lasso Loop is an in-home recycling appliance that simplifies how you recycle
100% closed-loop recycling—prepares materials for reuse
100% closed-loop recycling—prepares materials for reuse
100% closed-loop recycling—prepares materials for reuse
100% closed-loop recycling—prepares materials for reuse
✅
Automatic sorting & cleaning—no contamination or guesswork
Automatic sorting & cleaning—no contamination or guesswork
Automatic sorting & cleaning—no contamination or guesswork
Automatic sorting & cleaning—no contamination or guesswork
✅
✅
Hassle-free pickup—no sorting or drop-offs needed
Hassle-free pickup—no sorting or drop-offs needed
Hassle-free pickup—no sorting or drop-offs needed
Hassle-free pickup—no sorting or drop-offs needed
In 2024, Lasso needs a companion app!
In 2024, Lasso needs a companion app!
In 2024, Lasso needs a companion app!
In 2024, Lasso needs a companion app!
Lasso Loop partnered with the University of Michigan School of Information to design an app not only simplifies recycling but also educates and motivates users to build sustainable habits.
Lasso Loop partnered with the University of Michigan School of Information to design an app not only simplifies recycling but also educates and motivates users to build sustainable habits.
Lasso Loop partnered with the University of Michigan School of Information to design an app not only simplifies recycling but also educates and motivates users to build sustainable habits.
Lasso Loop partnered with the University of Michigan School of Information to design an app not only simplifies recycling but also educates and motivates users to build sustainable habits.
User Research
User Research
User Research
User Research
Starting with Questions
Starting with Questions
Starting with Questions
Starting with Questions
We crafted ‘How Might We…’ questions to align user’s tasks with our goals:
We crafted ‘How Might We…’ questions to align user’s tasks with our goals:
We crafted ‘How Might We…’ questions to align user’s tasks with our goals:
We crafted ‘How Might We…’ questions to align user’s tasks with our goals:
Q1: How might we help Lasso App users efficiently manage their recycling process with the Lasso Appliance so they can track, sort, and dispose of waste with confidence?
Q1: How might we help Lasso App users efficiently manage their recycling process with the Lasso Appliance so they can track, sort, and dispose of waste with confidence?
Q1: How might we help Lasso App users efficiently manage their recycling process with the Lasso Appliance so they can track, sort, and dispose of waste with confidence?
Q1: How might we help Lasso App users efficiently manage their recycling process with the Lasso Appliance so they can track, sort, and dispose of waste with confidence?
Q2: How might we encourage users to stay engaged with the app by integrating educational features?
Q2: How might we encourage users to stay engaged with the app by integrating educational features?
Q2: How might we encourage users to stay engaged with the app by integrating educational features?
Q2: How might we encourage users to stay engaged with the app by integrating educational features?
Taking the Dive
Taking the Dive
Taking the Dive
Taking the Dive
We couldn’t stop but wonder—who are these 2,000+ pre-sale customers? What do they look for in this app? Do they crave a sleek, efficient tool, or are they drawn to something more engaging, maybe even fun? And most importantly, what features would make them stay?
We couldn’t stop but wonder—who are these 2,000+ pre-sale customers? What do they look for in this app? Do they crave a sleek, efficient tool, or are they drawn to something more engaging, maybe even fun? And most importantly, what features would make them stay?
We couldn’t stop but wonder—who are these 2,000+ pre-sale customers? What do they look for in this app? Do they crave a sleek, efficient tool, or are they drawn to something more engaging, maybe even fun? And most importantly, what features would make them stay?
We couldn’t stop but wonder—who are these 2,000+ pre-sale customers? What do they look for in this app? Do they crave a sleek, efficient tool, or are they drawn to something more engaging, maybe even fun? And most importantly, what features would make them stay?
85%
85%
85%
85%
are between the ages of 30 and 40
are between the ages of 30 and 40
are between the ages of 30 and 40
are between the ages of 30 and 40
70%
70%
70%
70%
need clearer recycling guidance
need clearer recycling guidance
need clearer recycling guidance
need clearer recycling guidance
67%
67%
67%
67%
value efficiency over fun
value efficiency over fun
value efficiency over fun
value efficiency over fun
90%
90%
90%
90%
expect instant recyclability scanning
expect instant recyclability scanning
expect instant recyclability scanning
expect instant recyclability scanning
Data was sampled from a survey with 25+ participants
Data was sampled from a survey with 25+ participants
Data was sampled from a survey with 25+ participants
Data was sampled from a survey with 25+ participants
Talking to Customers
Talking to Customers
Talking to Customers
Talking to Customers
We got the basics—now it was time to go deeper. So, we sat down with 20 pre-sale and potential customers to hear what really matters to them.
We got the basics—now it was time to go deeper. So, we sat down with 20 pre-sale and potential customers to hear what really matters to them.
We got the basics—now it was time to go deeper. So, we sat down with 20 pre-sale and potential customers to hear what really matters to them.
We got the basics—now it was time to go deeper. So, we sat down with 20 pre-sale and potential customers to hear what really matters to them.
Quotes from interviews with 20 interviewees
“I prefer efficiency because I just want to resolve problems quickly. Fun is secondary.”
“I prefer efficiency because I just want to resolve problems quickly. Fun is secondary.”
“I prefer efficiency because I just want to resolve problems quickly. Fun is secondary.”
“I prefer efficiency because I just want to resolve problems quickly. Fun is secondary.”
“I’m not here to take a class—I just want quick, useful tips while I recycle.”
“I’m not here to take a class—I just want quick, useful tips while I recycle.”
“I’m not here to take a class—I just want quick, useful tips while I recycle.”
“I’m not here to take a class—I just want quick, useful tips while I recycle.”
“Knowing recycling impact would be a more motivating factor.”
“Knowing recycling impact would be a more motivating factor.”
“Knowing recycling impact would be a more motivating factor.”
“Knowing recycling impact would be a more motivating factor.”
“I want to get to necessary features quickly and avoid multiple button presses.”
“I want to get to necessary features quickly and avoid multiple button presses.”
“I want to get to necessary features quickly and avoid multiple button presses.”
“I want to get to necessary features quickly and avoid multiple button presses.”
Okay! The message is clear—Efficiency, Embedded Education, and Motivation drive engagement.
Okay! The message is clear—Efficiency, Embedded Education, and Motivation drive engagement.
Okay! The message is clear—Efficiency, Embedded Education, and Motivation drive engagement.
Okay! The message is clear—Efficiency, Embedded Education, and Motivation drive engagement.
Efficiency: Simple flows with minimal interactions and clear hierarchy.
Efficiency: Simple flows with minimal interactions and clear hierarchy.
Efficiency: Simple flows with minimal interactions and clear hierarchy.
Efficiency: Simple flows with minimal interactions and clear hierarchy.
Embedded Education: Pervasively integrated educational elements into the experience
Embedded Education: Pervasively integrated educational elements into the experience
Embedded Education: Pervasively integrated educational elements into the experience
Embedded Education: Pervasively integrated educational elements into the experience
Motivation: Impact tracking and rewards to keep users engaged
Motivation: Impact tracking and rewards to keep users engaged
Motivation: Impact tracking and rewards to keep users engaged
Motivation: Impact tracking and rewards to keep users engaged
Design Iteration
Design Iteration
Design Iteration
Design Iteration
Turning Insights into Design
Turning Insights into Design
Turning Insights into Design
Turning Insights into Design
With user research insights in mind, we began ideating and creating mid-fidelity prototypes.
With user research insights in mind, we began ideating and creating mid-fidelity prototypes.
With user research insights in mind, we began ideating and creating mid-fidelity prototypes.
With user research insights in mind, we began ideating and creating mid-fidelity prototypes.
Ideation
Ideation
Ideation
Ideation
Mid-Fidelity Prototypes
Mid-Fidelity Prototypes
Mid-Fidelity Prototypes
Mid-Fidelity Prototypes
Test, Test, Test!
Test, Test, Test!
Test, Test, Test!
Test, Test, Test!
To refine our mid-fidelity design, we ran usability tests with 8 participants, focusing on key tasks like scanning, scheduling pickups, and tracking impact. Some things worked, some didn’t. So, we went back, made key fixes, and smoothed out the experience. Here’s what changed.
To refine our mid-fidelity design, we ran usability tests with 8 participants, focusing on key tasks like scanning, scheduling pickups, and tracking impact. Some things worked, some didn’t. So, we went back, made key fixes, and smoothed out the experience. Here’s what changed.
To refine our mid-fidelity design, we ran usability tests with 8 participants, focusing on key tasks like scanning, scheduling pickups, and tracking impact. Some things worked, some didn’t. So, we went back, made key fixes, and smoothed out the experience. Here’s what changed.
To refine our mid-fidelity design, we ran usability tests with 8 participants, focusing on key tasks like scanning, scheduling pickups, and tracking impact. Some things worked, some didn’t. So, we went back, made key fixes, and smoothed out the experience. Here’s what changed.
Before
After
75% of participants mistook the scan icon for a menu
🔴
Moved Scan to the navigation bar, creating a four-tab layout.
🟢
Restructured Navigation
Restructured Navigation
Restructured Navigation
Restructured Navigation
Adopted a four-tab layout for better discoverability for scan feature.
Adopted a four-tab layout for better discoverability for scan feature.
Adopted a four-tab layout for better discoverability for scan feature.
Adopted a four-tab layout for better discoverability for scan feature.
Unhid Pick-Up Scheduling
Unhid Pick-Up Scheduling
Unhid Pick-Up Scheduling
Unhid Pick-Up Scheduling
Moved it to the Container tab for easier access
Moved it to the Container tab for easier access
Moved it to the Container tab for easier access
Moved it to the Container tab for easier access
Before
After
🔴
87.5% of participants couldn’t find the pickup scheduling feature immediately after we hid it in settings to encourage scheduling only when containers were full.
🟢
Moved pickup scheduling to the Container page, only appearing when the container is full.
Simplified Impact Tracking
Simplified Impact Tracking
Simplified Impact Tracking
Simplified Impact Tracking
Separated data & visualized progress for clarity.
Separated data & visualized progress for clarity.
Separated data & visualized progress for clarity.
Separated data & visualized progress for clarity.
Final Design
Final Design
Final Design
Final Design
01 My Lasso
01 My Lasso
01 My Lasso
01 My Lasso
Recycling at home
Recycling at home
Recycling at home
Recycling at home
Check recent recycling activities
Real-time machine signals
Recycling summary
Check recent recycling activities
Real-time machine signals
Recycling summary
Check recent recycling activities
Real-time machine signals
Recycling summary
Check recent recycling activities
Real-time machine signals
Recycling summary
02 Container Status
02 Container Status
02 Container Status
02 Container Status
Monitor your appliance
Monitor your appliance
Monitor your appliance
Monitor your appliance
Schedule a collection
Check container status
Get recycling tips
Schedule a collection
Check container status
Get recycling tips
Schedule a collection
Check container status
Get recycling tips
Schedule a collection
Check container status
Get recycling tips
04 Recycling Impact
04 Recycling Impact
04 Recycling Impact
04 Recycling Impact
Stay motivated
Stay motivated
Stay motivated
Stay motivated
Check recycling performance and environmental impact
Check accumulated money rewards
Track recycling activity and impact
Check recycling performance and environmental impact
Check accumulated money rewards
Track recycling activity and impact
Check recycling performance and environmental impact
Check accumulated money rewards
Track recycling activity and impact
Check recycling performance and environmental impact
Check accumulated money rewards
Track recycling activity and impact
03 Scanning
03 Scanning
03 Scanning
Check recyclability instantly
Check recyclability instantly
Check recyclability instantly
Check recyclability instantly
Scan items anywhere—at home, the office, or the store
Get instant feedback on what’s recyclable
Reduce guesswork and recycle with confidence
Scan items anywhere—at home, the office, or the store
Get instant feedback on what’s recyclable
Reduce guesswork and recycle with confidence
Scan items anywhere—at home, the office, or the store
Get instant feedback on what’s recyclable
Reduce guesswork and recycle with confidence
Scan items anywhere—at home, the office, or the store
Get instant feedback on what’s recyclable
Reduce guesswork and recycle with confidence
Wrap up
Wrap up
Wrap up
Wrap up
My Takeaways Are…
My Takeaways Are…
My Takeaways Are…
My Takeaways Are…
Know your users, not just your product
Know your users, not just your product
Know your users, not just your product
Know your users, not just your product
We started with pre-sale customers to get inside their habits—what they value, how they think. Turns out, efficiency wins. No fluff, no gamification, just a tool that works. So, we stripped away distractions, streamlined interactions, and made every action effortless.
We started with pre-sale customers to get inside their habits—what they value, how they think. Turns out, efficiency wins. No fluff, no gamification, just a tool that works. So, we stripped away distractions, streamlined interactions, and made every action effortless.
We started with pre-sale customers to get inside their habits—what they value, how they think. Turns out, efficiency wins. No fluff, no gamification, just a tool that works. So, we stripped away distractions, streamlined interactions, and made every action effortless.
We started with pre-sale customers to get inside their habits—what they value, how they think. Turns out, efficiency wins. No fluff, no gamification, just a tool that works. So, we stripped away distractions, streamlined interactions, and made every action effortless.
Clients have goals, users have needs—design serves both
Clients have goals, users have needs—design serves both
Clients have goals, users have needs—design serves both
Clients have goals, users have needs—design serves both
Usability testing doesn’t always align with what the client wants—that’s where we step in. Users couldn’t find pickup scheduling, but the client wanted it hidden. So, we adjusted, made it easier to access without breaking their vision. Problem solved
Usability testing doesn’t always align with what the client wants—that’s where we step in. Users couldn’t find pickup scheduling, but the client wanted it hidden. So, we adjusted, made it easier to access without breaking their vision. Problem solved
Usability testing doesn’t always align with what the client wants—that’s where we step in. Users couldn’t find pickup scheduling, but the client wanted it hidden. So, we adjusted, made it easier to access without breaking their vision. Problem solved
Usability testing doesn’t always align with what the client wants—that’s where we step in. Users couldn’t find pickup scheduling, but the client wanted it hidden. So, we adjusted, made it easier to access without breaking their vision. Problem solved
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