e-Xchange

Exchange your electronic waste right away!

Comment

What is e-Xchange?

e-Xchange is a platform to immediately exchange your electronic waste (e-waste) using an exchange machine (or kiosk).

Users can exchange their electronic waste (e-waste) into in-app points based on how much their e-waste weight. The collected points can be redeemed into valuable rewards.

This project includes a CAD model of the exchange machine (or kiosk), a mobile app concept, and a presentation of the management system to use within. Please open the figma try out link for the mobile app concept

How does it work?

The exchange machine will weigh the electronic waste collected by the users, the waste is placed on top of the scaling plate. Next, the machine will calculate the total of points based on the weight of the waste. Then the machine will show a confirmation for the users. A QR code will be generated for the users to scan it on the e-Xchange mobile app and receive the points.

Users can buy available rewards like gift cards, subscriptions, etc. Or, users can donate to fundraisings using their collected points.

e-Xchange will sell the collected waste in bulk to manufacturers that need it. The waste will be reused to manufacture other products.

Inspiration

The electronic waste (e-waste) containment issue is currently an on-going issue since 2010. Countless of countries are suffering from this issue for such a long time, especially for the less developed countries and currently developing countries.

Except, we all know something that... Electronic waste can be reused to manufacture other things instead of dumping them!

How I built it

The first thing in my mind was to create a sketching of a product I will be modelling. I'm doing it traditionally, by drawing the sketch on a drawing paper. Nothing too fancy... 😆

Next, I created the CAD model using OnShape, and also using my crappy sketch for the references. I'm glad that OnShape is giving away a free license for students. Most of CAD modelling softwares require us students to purchase a professional plan or license, and these licenses are sometime ridiculously expensive! 😡

Then, I export the model into an .STL file to create the product visualization on Blender. Blender ​is a great software to create 3D models and 3D renderings. And it's also an open-source software, a great choice for a student like me. 😄

To create a better product presentation, I also created the interface (UI) for the mobile app. For that, I used VistaCreate Crello and a web-based Figma. Both apps are excellent for this type of project. I also exported the final design into Blender to further visualize the app prototype by creating a 3D animation for it. 👌

Challenges I ran into

Although planning this whole project is a difficult challenge to pass in the first place, the most difficult challenge I ran into was to actually create the project. How I manage time, create an effective workspace, and choosing the right tools for the project -- are the most difficult "untechnical" thing to do.

Speaking of "technical", there are also a technical challenge while doing this project. The challenge is to apply the technology itself, to learn the new software I have never used before. At first, it seems really easy to understand because I'm experienced in creating 3D models on Blender. But, it turns out to be much more difficult than I thought! 😢

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

Despite the difficult challenges and a lot time spent to create this project, I'm proud that I can finally accomplish this project even though it feels exhausting. The amount of effort I put into creating this project is countless, from learning a new set of softwares to finalizing the project.

So, what's next for e-Xchange?

e-Xchange can be implemented into solving real world problems. It is possible for e-Xchange to be released into a real thing! Maybe one day I will be able to release this project to solve the electrical waste problems in my country, Indonesia.

Built With

Share this project:

Updates