Design Thinking as a Framework for the Design of a Sustainable Waste Sterilization System: The Case of Piedmont Region, Italy

Abstract

The development of new methods for the correct disposal of waste is unavoidable for any city that aims to become eco-friendly. Waste management is no exception. In the modern era, the treatment and disposal of infectious waste should be seen as an opportunity to generate renewable energy, resource efficiency, and, above all, to improve the population’s quality of life. Northern Italy currently produces 66,600 tons/year of infectious waste, mostly treated through incineration plants. This research aims to explore a more ecological and sustainable solution, thereby contributing one more step toward achieving better cities for all. Particularly, this paper presents a conceptual design of the main sterilization chamber for infectious waste. The methodology selected was Design Thinking (DT), since it has a user-centered approach which allows for co-design and the inclusion of the target population. This study demonstrates to the possibility of obtaining feasible results based on the user’s needs through the application of DT as a framework for engineering design.

Design Thinking for Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments and the Integration of an Inclusive Foresight and Design Thinking Framework

“…The existing context and solutions encompass several issues: (1) The prediction of the range of household water consumption in Huelva, Andalusia, Spain. The article accessed uses a web-based prototype within a DT framework based on a human-centered methodology to engage households and mitigate the risks associated with development and adoption [31]; (2) The case of a sustainable waste sterilization system in the Piedmont Region, Italy, using a DT framework to develop a new method for the treatment and disposal of infectious waste [34]; (3) Sustainable practices developed from DT and social practice theories, aiming to create a toolkit to design interventions that unlock unsustainable practices [36].…”

Circularity Outlines in the Construction and Demolition Waste Management: A Literature Review

“…Guiding sustainable decision-making and innovative problemsolving in CDW management, the system thinking framework as a holistic analysis based on mirroring the complex relation networks of system components offers insights for creating an integrative methodology by outlining the system's boundaries and components, creating visual tools, and detecting connection nodes to elaborate an integrative and circular approach for CDW management strategy design [96]. Design thinking incorporates tools and principles of system thinking to focus on system leverage points as an iterative problem-solving, human-centered, sustainability-oriented framework methodology that involves stakeholders from different backgrounds [97]. These frameworks are based on multidisciplinarity, creativity, simplicity, and technological innovation, offering solutions for complex problems.…”

Spatial visualization for development of visual thinking and cognitive abilities among mechanical engineering students through tool design ideation

“…Design thinking is not only limited to engineering but also has its applications in the medical processes like designing of a waste sterilization system. 19 Zhao 20 in his studies has successfully inferred that both the system-thinking as well as design thinking approaches for an innovative system development.…”