REX
A Chrome extension and your sustainable online shopping companion, designed to help users make sustainable shopping choices by evaluating products based on three metrics: Recyclable Materials, Circularity, and End-of-Life Impact.
FALL 2024
UX DESIGN
BRAND DESIGN
WORKING WITH AI
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
FIGMA
Developing REX included:
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Conducting research on sustainable shopping practices.
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Gathering user feedback through surveys and interviews.
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Creating the brand and developing UX design.
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Working with ChatGPT to develop a rating system.
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Introducing a partnership program with in-store marketing elements.​​
WHY IS REX IMPORTANT?
Research from Waste Management indicates that convenience and commitment are essential for maximum recycling in the US. Many Americans intend to recycle but face barriers like unclear guidelines, lack of accessibility, and misconceptions about what’s recyclable. ​
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There’s a need for tools that simplify and encourage consistent recycling practices, and REX approaches the problem at its root: product consumption. It informs users on the recyclability of their products before they even buy them. Through ease of use and ongoing engagement, REX transforms sustainability from a confusing task into an engaging habit.
The user dashboard engages users with personalized impact metrics, gamified achievements, eco-friendly recommendations, and playful visuals.
REX is designed as a Chrome extension to seamlessly integrate into the online shopping experience, sitting on the screen alongside users as they browse. This placement allows REX to provide real-time insights on the sustainability of products, offering guidance on what to buy and suggesting eco-friendly alternatives. By being present at the point of decision-making, REX empowers users to make informed, sustainable choices without disrupting their shopping flow.
WORKING WITH AI
I collaborated with ChatGPT to develop the REX Rating system, a comprehensive framework that evaluates products based on Recyclability, Circularity, and End-of-Life Impact. This system is essential for simplifying complex sustainability data into a single, user-friendly score, helping consumers make informed decisions quickly and confidently while fostering more eco-conscious shopping habits.
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS:
5 (90-100%), 4 (70-89%), 3 (50-69%), 2 (30-40%, 1 (0-29%)
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CIRCULARITY:
5 (Full), 4 (Most), 3 (Moderate), 2 (Limited), 1 (None)
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END-OF-LIFE IMPACT:
5 (Fully recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable), 4 (Mostly),
3 (Partially), 2 (Hard To), 1 (Fully disposed of in landfills)
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REX RATING = (Recyclable Materials Score x 0.4) + (Circularity Score x 0.35) + (End-of-Life Score x 0.25)
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RATING SCALE:
5.0--4.5 “Excellent” (highly sustainable, circular, and recyclable)​
4.4--3.5 “Great” (mostly sustainable with minor issues)
3.4--2.5 “Moderate” (somewhat sustainable but not fully)
2.4--1.5 “Low” (limited sustainability and recyclability)
1.4--1.0 “Poor” (not sustainable, non-recyclable)
BRANDING
REX PARTNERSHIPS
REX will partner with brands that sustainably produce their products. The products associated with these partnerships will be REX approved. In store, customers will find this additional tag attached to these product in order to learn about the sustainability of the product and what REX is.
When users receive a product with a REX tag, they find that it’s not just an informative label; it also contains embedded seeds. This unique twist invites them to plant the tag, growing a small plant as a symbol of their eco-conscious choice.