Critique 10 – Recycling bins (2/18/2011)

Affordances

• [Position]Slots are placed at the top of the bin for easy reach
• Bins’ height is generally at hip level to afford average users easy access
• Affords users an easy way to separate recyclables from common trash

Constraints

• Shaped slots prevent users from placing large objects/unrecyclable items in the bin

Visibility

• Eyes are drawn to the disposal slots and the upper portion of the bins because the bottom portion is plain and dull

Mapping

• Recycling bins are labeled to signify that they are for recyclables
• If bins are sorted for specific materials, they are labeled similar to those in the above picture
• Shaped slots indicate what the typical shape of the bin’s supported materials will have

Coloring

• Recycle bins are typically colored blue or green to associate them with cleanliness/purity
• Bins are colored differently from regular trash bins to make them stand apart
• When bins are only meant for specific materials and are grouped with other bins, they each have a distinguishing color

User's conceptual model

1. User has trash and walks towards trash/recycling bins
2. User’s attention is drawn to the bright colors of the recycle bins
3. If the trash is recyclable, he/she will be inclined to place it in the appropriate bin
4. Eyes are drawn to the disposal slots
5. User reaches towards bin and easily slides trash into bin