Refill.Me
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Refill.Me

No Waste, No Haste - Package-Free

Problem Description


Mainstream grocery shopping damages our ecosystem through packaging waste from cans, glass, cardboard, and plastic.

Shoppers who are interested in reducing their environmental impact and would like to do package-free shopping lack detailed information such as product and price listings of loose products that are available in their neighborhood.

These shoppers need a tool that provides relevant and accessible information to make sustainable shopping less intimidating.

Problem Characteristics

Lack of Information

zero or little knowledge about where package-free stores are located

lack of knowledge about stores' package-free offerings

lack of transparency regarding prices of loose products

Shoppers' Struggles

frustrated by unneccessary, wasteful packaging

tiresome and difficult to search for package-free stores and products

lack of knowledge about containers to use

Missing Hub

existing apps offer limited features that are only somewhat useful for package-free shoppers, as opposed to many apps supporting mainstream grocery shopping

Solution Statement


Refill.Me is an encompassing information-hub in the form of a mobile phone application that provides relevant, practical and up-to-date information regarding package-free shopping.

Refill.Me helps novice package-free shoppers throughout their transition into package-free shopping and supports experienced shoppers to keep up their eco-friendly shopping habits.

By using Refill.Me, package-free shoppers save time and support local businesses, while reducing packaging waste.

Solution Characteristics

Plenty of Information

exhaustive listing of nearby supermarkets with bulk section, package-free stores, and farmers' markets

product listings with unit prices

Shoppers' Delight

easy search by product or by stores

information about containers provided in the Container Guide, and by the smart container recommendation feature

shopping list makes shopping easy to plan

reward system, Reward.Me to collect points and enjoy discounts

Resource Hub

a convenient app for both new and experienced package-free shoppers and package-free stores

use crowdsourcing to increase data accuracy

collect shoppers' search information to improve stores' product offerings

Benefits

Users

easy to plan package-free shopping based on store and product information

good understanding of needed containers

transparency regarding prices

Shops

attract package-free shoppers

increase revenue

increase digital presence

gain first-hand information about products that shoppers are searching for

being rated by shoppers

Environment

less trash

less food waste

less harmful chemicals

Presentations

Original Idea


Feasibility v1.0


Feasibility v2.0


Design


Prototype

Deliverables

Current Process Flow

Current Process Flow

Solution Process Flow

Solution Process Flow

Major Functional Component Diagram

MFCD

Competition Matrix

Competition Matrix

User Risk Matrix

User Risk Matrix

Customer Risk Matrix

Customer Risk Matrix

Technical Risk Matrix

Technical Risk Matrix

Shopper Home Mockups

Shopper Home Mockups

Store & Product Search Mockups

Search Mockups

Shopping List & Profile Mockups

Shopping List/Profile Mockups

Store Home Mockups

Store Home Mockups

Product & Reward Mockups

Product & Reward Mockups

Analytics & Profile Mockups

Analytics/Profile Mockups

Store Algorithm

Store Algorithm

Product Algorithm

Product Algorithm

Shopping Algorithm

Shopping Algorithm

Container Algorithm

Container Algorithm

User Stories - Shoppers


As a package-free shopper, I want to...

  • avoid purchasing products with wasteful product packaging so that I can help the environment.
  • find nearby package-free stores so that I can do package-free shopping.
  • learn about containers that I could use for package-free shopping so that I will know what containers I can use for package-free shopping.
  • know what type of containers I will need to bring with me so that I can be prepared when I go package-free shopping.
  • know how many containers I will need to bring with me so that I can do package-free shopping.
  • search for specific package-free products near me in a quick and efficient way so that I will know what products are available package-free in my area.
  • scan the barcode of a product so that I can find package-free alternatives for it.
  • type in a product's name and search for it so that I will know what products are available package-free in my area.
  • know the unit prices of products so that I will have information about the prices of products in advance.
  • create a shopping list so that I will not forget anything that I would like to buy.
  • have an overview of my reward points, and coupons I received, and their expiration date so that I can use them in time.
  • redeem my reward points at the stores so that I can get some benefits.
  • upload my receipts so that I can receive reward points for them.
  • report new / closed stores, new products, or products that are not available anymore, or prices that changed so that I can help others with up-to-date information.
  • rate stores so that I can provide some feedback about their services.
  • provide feedback about the functionalities and the usage of the app so that the app will be optimized according to my needs.
  • User Stories - Stores


    As a store owner/employee, I want to...

  • efficiently edit / add / delete my store information, product listing, and prices so that the shoppers will see only up-to-date information regarding my store and products.
  • see a preview of the data that I entered so that I can see what the shoppers will see in the app.
  • see the store's site in the app from the user's view so that I can see what the shopper will see in the app.
  • decide what products or services the users will get for a certain amount of reward points so that the shoppers can use their reward points.
  • issue coupons to the shoppers for their reward points so that they will come to the store, and eventually buy other items, not just the one that the coupon is valid for.
  • be able to accept the reward points and coupons earned by the shoppers o that they will come to my store and eventually buy other products too.
  • receive reminders to update my information in the app so that I can provide up-to-date information to the shoppers.
  • be notified in case any information is missing so that shoppers will find everything they need.
  • be contacted when information about my store, my products, or my prices are reported by a user of the app, so that I can verify it.
  • be able to respond to store ratings so that I can provide my feedback regarding any comments or questions.
  • receive information from the app regarding what products the users in my vicinity are searching for, so that I can adjust my product offerings.
  • User Stories - Administrators


    As an administrator, I want to...

  • have access to all dashboards and user profiles so that I can make changes if needed.
  • be able to add / update / delete accounts so that I can make changes if needed.
  • have access to logs related to the app so that I can perform troubleshooting if needed.
  • have data analytics tools so that I can see how the users of my app (both shoppers, and store owners) behave, what functionalities they use, etc.
  • set up automatic notifications for the stores regarding updating their information and verifying crowdsourced data so that the app will always provide up-to-date information.
  • review information from the 'Contact Us' forms so that I can provide feedback regarding comments.
  • respond to any questions posed in 'Contact Us' forms so that I can provide answers.
  • perform necessary fixes and updates to the system so that the app will function as intended.
  • use the best possible third party APIs, and if needed switch to a different API, so that I can improve the app's performance.
  • regularly do database data clean up so that I can improve efficiency and performance.
  • be able to identify vulnerabilities in the app (for example, using DAST), so that I can improve the security of the app.
  • Lab 1 - Collaborative Outline

    Individual Lab Reports

    Glossary



    Biodegrade: to decompose and become incorporated back into the environment

    Bulk section: an aisle where products are available in dispensers or bins, and the shoppers can buy the exact amount they desire

    BYOC (Bring Your Own Container): an initiative to encourage shoppers to bring their own containers with them to the store in order to avoid creating packaging waste

    Compostable: breaks down into organic matter and does not produce any chemicals during that process

    Container: tote bags, produce bags, glass or plastic jars, glass or plastic boxes, glass or plastic bottles that can be used for package-free shopping

    Container Guide: a small lexicon providing an overview of different types of containers and the types of products that could be stored in them

    Container Recommendation Feature: a feature of Refill.Me that suggests specific containers for products based on the type of product such as liquid or solid

    Experienced package-free shopper: a shopper who has experience, and thus, knowledge of package-free shopping

    Farmers' market: a market where local farmers sell their products directly to consumers

    Loose product: product sold without any packaging

    Mainstream grocery shopping: grocery shopping that does not follow sustainable practices,thus, it entails buying packaged items, using plastic, not considering environmental aspects

    Microplastics: tiny plastic particles that are less than five millimeters long and are created when larger plastic pieces breaks down

    Novice package-free shopper: a shopper who has no experience, and thus, no knowledge of package-free shopping

    Package-free: without any packaging materials such as plastic, paper, cardboard, aluminum, or glass

    Package-free store (in the context of our application): supermarkets with a bulk section, stores exclusively selling loose products, and vendors at farmers' markets.

    Package-free shopper: a shopper who prefers to buy loose products by filling them into their own containers

    Package-free shopping: shopping using one's own containers, thus, shopping without creating packaging waste

    Packaging: material used to protect a product from any damage during transportation

    Produce bag: a reusable bag usually with a window and tare weight label that is used for buying fruits / vegetables

    Single-use: designed to be used only once, and then to be discarded

    Tare weight: the weight of an empty container that should not be included when the price of the product is calculated

    Tote bag: a large bag, often made of cotton, used to carry many items

    Meet The Team

    Michael Colombini
    Michael Colombini
    Role: Back end developer

    Michael is currently pursuing a BS/MS in Computer Science at Old Dominion University. He has experience in C++, Java, Python and SQL. He has three children with a fourth on the way. He enjoys spending time with his family, exercising and being outdoors.

    John Wasikye
    John Wasikye
    Role: Back end developer

    John Wasikye is a senior at Old Dominion University majoring in computer science. He is from Ashburn VA, with parents from Uganda. In his free time he enjoys watching tv, working out, and playing rugby.

    Katelynn Hull
    Katelynn Hull
    Role: Database developer / Document specialist

    Katelynn Hull is a senior at Old Dominion University working on her bachelor's degree in Computer Science. She was originally from Dallas, Texas, but now lives in Sterling, Virginia. In her free time, she enjoys puzzles, reading, and cross stitching.

    Judit Chang
    Judit Chang
    Role: Project manager / Database developer

    Judit Chang is a senior at Old Dominion University majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Math. She is from Hungary, currently living in Fairfax, Virginia. Her interests include reading, sewing, and gardening.

    Abdullah Pathan
    Abdullah Pathan
    Role: Webmaster

    Abdullah Pathan is a senior at Old Dominion University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Born in Santa Anna, California, he lives with family in Ashburn, Virginia. Enjoys watching Bob's Burgers, drinking coffee, and working out.

    Kira Maximova
    Kira Maximova
    Role: Back end developer / Tester

    Kira Maximova is a senior at Old Dominion University working on a BS in Computer Science with a minor in Cybersecurity (if the work will continue to assist). She is native to Russia and a transfer student from Liberty University. She enjoys Python, C++. She is a full-time employed as a Software Engineer. In her free time she learns languages, learning to play guitar, and enjoys geocaching/hiking.

    Gavin Rios
    Gavin Rios
    Role: Front end developer

    Gavin Rios is a senior at Old Dominion University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in computer science. He lives in Virginia Beach with his family. He plans on working as a software engineer upon graduation. Gavin enjoys biking, learning about the world, and talking with friends.

    Andrew Miller
    Andrew Miller
    Role: Mentor

    Andrew Miller graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor's in Computer Science and a Doctorate in Systems Engineering. He currently lives in the Washington, DC area and works for the federal government managing large-scale data science and enterprise data initiatives. Andrew is also a coffee aficionado and continues to dabble in Python and C++ in his free time.

    References



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    EPA, "Containers and packaging: Product-Specific Data", United States Environmental Protection Agency, March 8, 2022, Accessed on September 09, 2022.https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/containers-and-packaging-product-specific#:~:text=Containers%20and%20packaging%20make%20up,beverages%2C%20medications%20and%20cosmetic%20products

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    Shen, Maocai, et al. "(Micro)plastic crisis: Un-ignorable contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change", Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 254, May 1, 2020, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652620301852?casa_token=U8PV0S4NpoAAAAAA:7XiABOjdLWumEZeQDV6XHsiGVwlopPMLtaBUIrG-IUehwszg7wlX-Lm0VIcgrQ-4aBVxHwTHa4w

    Sinai, Mina. "How Many Times Can Recyclables Be Recycled?" Recycle Nation, June 27, 2017, https://recyclenation.com/2017/06/how-many-times-can-recyclables-be-recycled/

    "The Environmental Impact of Food Packaging", FoodPrint, October 08, 2018, https://foodprint.org/issues/the-environmental-impact-of-food-packaging/

    VanRemoortel, Anna. "Cultural Capital Among Zero Waste Consumers", May 2018, https://digitalrepository.wheatoncollege.edu/bitstream/handle/11040/24562/Anna_VanRemoortel_HonorsThesis.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y

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