Phygital recycling : development of a gamified interactive XR structure to enhance the participation of recycling

Abstract

The issue of plastic waste recycling transcends national boundaries, presenting a formidable challenge on a global scale. In Hong Kong, the endeavour to recycle plastic waste commenced in the 1980s and has undergone nearly four decades of evolution and transformation. The initial landfill-centric approach has given way to a more multifaceted and integrated waste management model. Recent years have witnessed certain communities adopting innovative joint recycling systems, which are propelled by incentive-driven mechanisms. These systems have shown initial success, yet they grapple with the challenges of low participation rates and limited reach within the populace. To amplify user engagement, gamification strategies have been incorporated into the recycling infrastructure, yielding notable efficacy in specific locales. Nevertheless, the prevailing systems predominantly rely on two-dimensional, planar interactive devices, which are beset by a paucity of informational resources and suboptimal interactivity. Immersive technologies emerge as a promising avenue to enhance the efficiency of graphical information exchange and to elevate the level of information visualization. Historical precedents indicate that immersive techniques can significantly augment user experience and bolster the propensity for repeated engagement. This study endeavours to forge an avant-garde recycling paradigm that marries the incentivizing allure of gamified reward systems with the interactive prowess of immersive technologies. It champions the adoption of a 'Phygital' system, which seamlessly melds physical and digital elements within contextually relevant environments to achieve superior outcomes. The article highlights a design framework that utilizes immersive technology to gamify recycling engagement. This framework incorporates mixed reality (MR) devices and sensors to enhance the overall experience for participants.