DiCE (Digital Health in the Circular Economy) focuses on reducing electronic waste (e-waste) generated by the application of digital health devices. This report summarises the design research process undertaken to develop and assess motivational strategies aimed at encouraging citizens to properly return their digital health devices. These motivational strategies encompass a combination of nudges and motivators (previously named nudging strategies). The report details the final motivational strategies that will be applied to smart pillboxes for DiCE confirmatory pilots and illustrates how these strategies can also be adapted for other products, such as an On Body Drug Delivery System.
The design research process provided valuable insights into developing effective motivational strategies to promote the return of digital health devices. Findings highlight the complexities involved in influencing human behaviour, especially regarding the proper handling of end-of-use devices in a circular economy context.
An iterative design process has proven essential in refining these motivational strategies. Feedback loops from both citizens and multidisciplinary stakeholders helped identify barriers and areas that require careful consideration.
The report presents three types of knowledge:
- Design knowledge for designers. This includes the final motivational strategies, comprising design motivators and design requirements, along with insights from the design process and the small-scale and confirmatory pilots.
- Design knowledge about the design process. It outlines the design process and key lessons learned.
- Knowledge about the evaluation process. This encompasses the evaluation methods and lessons learned.
Overall, the findings indicate that combining intrinsic motivators (e.g., emotional satisfaction, ethical considerations) with practical requirements (e.g., ease of recycling) can enhance the return rates of digital health devices. These insights contribute to the overarching goal of optimizing reverse logistics in digital healthcare, fostering sustainable practices in this rapidly evolving sector. The upcoming confirmatory pilots will further evaluate the application of this design knowledge within revised prototypes design to better align with user expectations and logistical feasibility.