Alex Capolongo

UX Researcher and UX/UI Designer

Natural Packaging Co. – Edible and Biodegradable Food Packaging (GMP2)

This project developed an innovative solution to plastic waste by creating sustainable, biodegradable, and edible packaging. Using materials like seaweed, rice paper, and starch-based polymers, the design accommodates a variety of food types, reducing reliance on single-use plastics while offering eco-friendly disposal or consumption options.

Tools

Microsoft Word

Apple Sketch

Figma

Skills

Project Management

Critical Making

Prototyping

Design Thinking

Team

Alex Capolongo

Harjoth Singh

Jason Nguyen

Serena Dalla Pasqua

My Role

UX Lead

Product Designer

UX Consultant

Project Type

Maker Lab Coursework

UX201,

Maker Lab I

Concepts

'Critical Making'

Sustainability

Socially Responsible Design

Timeline

November to December 2024,

4 weeks

Design Problem

Plastic packaging contributes significantly to environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and microplastic contamination. Our aim was to create a sustainable alternative that maintains product integrity while minimizing ecological impact.

Our Design Process

Research & Ideation

Early prototype ideas highlighted the challenges of using edible materials for liquid containment, as many lacked structural integrity or insulation.

Starch-based polymers emerged as the most practical solution, balancing sustainability with usability. Rapid visualization techniques (McGlashan, 2018) helped translate abstract concepts into workable designs.

Low-Fidelity Prototype

Critical Feedback

Audience feedback during the "Show and Tell" session encouraged us to focus on biodegradable solutions rather than edible packaging, as the latter posed cost and user challenges. Recommendations emphasized providing detailed material information to enhance the prototype’s functionality and marketability.

Prototyping & Testing

We began by exploring sustainable materials like seaweed, rice paper, and starch-based polymers. Inspired by concepts of sustainability and "Communities of Practice" (Wenger, 1998), we worked collaboratively to develop ideas for biodegradable and edible packaging.

Medium-Fidelity Prototype

Evaluation

The final prototype successfully demonstrated the ability of biodegradable packaging to minimize plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions. While the edible component sparked creative thinking, it was less practical to employ. The initiative emphasized the need of combining innovation with real-world restrictions while encouraging critical thinking and teamwork. Moving forward, a greater emphasis on long-lasting, totally biodegradable materials would boost functionality and scalability.

Reflection

Through this project, I honed skills in user-centered design, sustainability research, and prototyping. Integrating theoretical frameworks like "Situated Cognition" (Robbins & Aydede, 2009) deepened my understanding of how environmental and social factors shape design. The experience reinforced the importance of critical feedback and adaptability, shaping my approach as a UX designer committed to socially responsible design.

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