To translate consumer practices into waste innovations

Important results from the project

The aim of the project was to satisfy the demand of practical tools to incorporate knowledge on how consumers act in the development of innovations related to waste. A concrete project goal was to create and present such a tool to actors in the field of waste management. This goal was achieved, as was the overall goal of the project: to translate and implement theories and methods from consumer science in the design of the tool of question.

Expected long term effects

The work resulted in a tool that was presented in a meeting with invited waste management actors. In part, this tool consisted of a battery of control questions to facilitate that any new solution, or improvement of existing ones, should be designed to fit the everyday life of people. In addition, a large set of data on the routines, thoughts and ideas of consumers related to household waste. It is expected that the project will lead to a deepened cooperation between the project partners, and a better understanding of how the practice theories can be used in the waste management field.

Approach and implementation

The project was managed so that the project leader worked circa two days per week in an office space devoted to the project at the receiving organisation. The project leader participated in the work routines of the receiving organisation (such as work meetings and seminars), in order to gain general knowledge on the social science methods used there. The receiver organisation assisted with supervision and discussions regarding the design and conductance of the studies, and scientific literature. Data collection and analysis was made by the project leader, with supervisor support.