Meaghan Robson

Thesis: Reuseful

Reuseful: How can we reduce waste through community engagement? This journey started as a systems analysis project centred around improving resources for reusing materials at OCAD U, and soon developed into the opportunity to design for social change towards sustainability across campus. Through collaborative co-design with both staff and student stakeholders—from ODESI, the Learning Zone, Facilities & Studio Services, and more—this project worked towards improving many aspects of the system of material reuse on campus. This included re-branding strategies, outreach events, social media presence, holding in-class info sessions, updating way-finding/signage, and building a new material swap spot (the Material Commons) planned for the Sharp Centre for Design. All of this effort was put towards the goals of reducing waste and engaging with the community to establish a circular economy.

“After campus was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the goal of this project shifted towards digital outreach with current students and creating awareness around the topic of sustainability with a focus on reusing materials. This lead to a successful rebranding strategy on the @ocad_reuse Instagram page - with the help of current students/project collaborators - which gained so much interest that we formed an official student that is currently thriving in the online atmosphere!”