Beyond the bag: Designing low-barrier public interactions to transform dog walking into a shared, sustainable culture
L.F. van de Klashorst (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
E.A. van den Hende – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
J.J.M. Zijlstra – Mentor (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
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Abstract
In Dutch urban parks there is a societal expectation for dog owners to pick up and dispose of any waste their animals leave behind in public spaces. With the increased focus on sustainable practices, responsible dog ownership navigates complex social, cultural, and environmental factors.
While new sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable and compostable bags are promoted as the solution, the lack of correct circular waste disposal infrastructure, and misconceptions about the bag’s disposal and sustainability, hinder the intended environmental benefit.
This research explores the gap between sustainable product intentions and actual user behaviour, within the context of Earth Rated, a leading sustainable dog product brand.
Using the Vision in Product Approach, the study begins with the framing of the actual root of the problem; not as simply making better bags, but as fostering new interventions and rituals and shaping meaningful community engagement. The research integrates theories from environmental psychology, sociology, participatory design during the VIP process to explore how multi-sensory, low-barrier interventions can shift individual and communal behaviour.
The outcome is a 10 year future vision translated into a interactive, multi-sensory booth concept and bio-burner streetlight that blends environmental education with brand storytelling and playful engagement. By hosting the interactive exploration in urban park spaces and implementing bio-streetlight interventions, it creates a shared sense of responsibility within the latent park community, shifting social sustainability norms from compliance to active stewardship beyond participation.
The findings can contribute to broader discussion on public space design, authentic community building and shifting sustainability norms.