Microsoft Zero Waste Pilot Program

UI/UX Design / Design Research / Instructional Design

Context

Microsoft has set an ambitious sustainability goal: to divert 90% or more of its waste away from landfills. Bin signage at waste disposal moments is a key component of meeting that goal. Each global site has different disposal regulation and types of common trash.

findings

The signage needs to be uniform across sites, but flexible to locality of each site. We provided a signage template system in PowerPoint that is customizable, balances simplicity with quality, and works to remain as clear as possible while still providing the right information as needed.

Team

Agency: Artemis Ward
Creative Strategist: Grace Ann Roberts
Sr. Art Director: Emily Tartanella

Lead Designer: Jade Huang
Design Researcher: Jade Huang
Creative Director: Chris Maier

Current Microsoft Icon Library

The existing line art icons are great for web usage, but bin signage requires a more noticeable and legible style, so that viewers can process the information from a distance.

Initial research

The ZW pilot is global. We researched waste bins from all around the world, both on MS campus and off. From there, we listed out all the potential streams and use them as the foundation of our icon library built. In addition, we sorted out a color database to represent the according streams.

Four waste bins in some Microsoft office

Streams and icons database

Application

Letter

a large-size mockup of compost bin signage

Square

a medium-size mockup of compost bin signage

Small

Letter: For full signs can be posted, or there is a desire to offload additional content via QR code.
‍
Square: Best used in medium spaces where more info is desired, but sizing needs to be condensed or square to fit.

Small: Best used when nothing larger is appropriate, such as on bin tops, or other small spaces.

Adaptable, customizable, ease of use for Microsoft offices all around the world.

Streams and icons System

Waste sorting categories with their colors

a collection of sample icons for the bin signage

Zero Waste Bin Signage Template Demo

a picture of microsoft office with waste bins

Press

Greenbiz
"A taste of Microsoft’s all-electric kitchen" 23 Jun 2022

Fast Company
"Microsoft’s hottest new product is … a wok" 15 Apr 2022

"Microsoft On the Issues" Linkedin Post
"...a benchmark for the culinary industry on the capabilities and promise of the all-electric cooking equipment that will help achieve a #ZeroCarbon future." 10 Jul 2022

Food Management
"Taking a massive leap forward into a green future, this major new dining center features custom-designed equipment for 100% electric volume cooking of a diverse array of food concepts." 08 Jul 2022

More Work

Microsoft: Inside the Kitchens of the Future

Microsoft Zero Waste Pilot Program

UI/UX Design / Design Research / Instructional Design

LINK ↗

Context

Microsoft has set an ambitious sustainability goal: to divert 90% or more of its waste away from landfills. Bin signage at waste disposal moments is a key component of meeting that goal. Each global site has different disposal regulation and types of common trash.

findings

The signage needs to be uniform across sites, but flexible to locality of each site. We provided a signage template system in PowerPoint that is customizable, balances simplicity with quality, and works to remain as clear as possible while still providing the right information as needed.

Team

Lead Designer: Jade Huang
‍Support Designer: Anthony Petrillo
Creative Director: Chris Maier

Creative Strategist: Grace Ann Roberts
Sr. Art Director: Emily Tartanella

Brand elements

Microsoft logos against plain backgrounds

the Microsoft color palette used in the report

the microsoft color palette used in the report, continued

the microsoft typography guide used in the report

Moodboard

some geometric-style shapes in various colors

a geometric-style illustration of kitchen table