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

Abstract

This research (Phygital Recycling) is supported by a two-year (2023–25) start-up grant from PolyU for HK$350,000). This research explores ‘phygital’ practices, a term that has emerged from marketing c.2007. It refers to the building of customer relationships with the physical and digital worlds. For this study, phygital practices were deployed in four experiments targeting enhanced recycling management in Hong Kong. Dr Lo’s interactive interdisciplinary methods integrate design, environmental engineering, gamification, behavioural economics and HCI to address these challenges and establish an extended reality recycling (Xrecycling) platform. Yu-kai Chou’s Octalysis Framework for gamification is employed to foster recycling awareness and influence behaviour, and Slater’s (2009) immersive technology theory is adopted to provide virtual, multi-sensory interactions that reshape recycling habits. This research adopted a hybrid approach, integrating VR, 3D printing, sensors and spatial design to create a 3m x 3m immersive, gamified recycling prototype within a phygital systems framework. Six-month longitudinal tracking and qualitative interviews assessed changes in behaviour, engagement and environmental self-identification. Key measures included continued participation, user perceptions of ownership and material reciprocity. Findings show that incorporating Hong Kong’s socio-cultural context into an interactive phygital system enhances recycling practices and understanding. Recycling is explored through physical-digital interactions, challenging traditional models and promoting sustainable, community-centred engagement. Approximately 40 college students participated in the year-long experiment. Given that young people are key to reducing plastic consumption and the ‘blind box’ culture, the next phase will expand to community recycling points for broader testing among 12–35-year-olds. Research outcomes have been disseminated through academic papers, workshops and exhibitions. This study underscores the importance of physical space and spatial narratives in encouraging recycling behaviour and environmental awareness. Future research aims to develop collaborative virtual storytelling, developing design principles for decentralising sustainability initiatives, giving ecological agency to communities and challenging top-down extractive mandates.