SmartSwap
Beata Tamas
SmartSwap is a solar-powered, AI-enabled clothing swap shack built from recycled materials, where locals can exchange clothes, track environmental savings via tagged items and an app, and participate in community-supported, unmanned operations that promote sustainability and circular fashion.
Design Problem
The project originated from a simple observation of everyday habits that have become so common they are often overlooked. Households tend to accumulate excessive amounts of clothing, yet there are limited sustainable disposal options available. The rise of fast fashion continues to contribute to increased textile waste.
SmartSwap is a shack built from recycled materials with solar power to generate electricity. The shack’s primary purpose is clothing swap; locals can drop off their unwanted items and exchange for new ones. Dropped items will be equipped with a tag which will track the lifecycle of the item and sending reports on how much water and emission gases were saved by exchanging instead of shopping for new items. Swaps can be booked via an application. The app can also notify users on how much credit they earned and optional stock alerts.
As a secondary purpose, local businesses, schools and churches can contribute and sponsor the shack, as well as receiving raw materials for their business and projects.
Description of the Project
Collaboration with various research organisations across the community will also open new opportunities for the shack as well as contributing to important research findings.
On regular occasions, clothing swaps will be held to eliminate build-up of stock including educational workshops on mending clothes and care for garment to last longer.
While clothing swaps are not a new idea, the innovation here comes from combining the use of AI with other technology to facilitate the SmartSwap. This would allow 24/7 unmanned operation meaning that costs will be minimised while flexibility and convenience for the users will be maximised. Tracking their donations, users will have the motivation to further use the service increasing the environmental impact. Influencing users to make positive decisions can create sustainable communities which can have a significant impact on the environment.
To explore the scope of this issue, user research was conducted to analyse behaviours and preferences regarding clothing disposal. This research confirmed that there is necessity for a more efficient approach. These findings validated the feasibility of the project and shaped the development of the SmartSwap concept.
Ideas have been shortlisted by analysing feasibility including available technology, performance and ease of use as well as discussions with potential users for insights on convenience and motivation.
Process
About me
I am currently in my 3rd year of studying engineering, driven by a deep interest in technology and sustainability. With a strong focus on innovation, I am always seeking new ways to enhance and streamline processes in my role as a safety coordinator.