The Route of Glass

This interactive data visualization investigates the patterns and efficiency of glass waste collection in Lausanne throughout 2023. By layering vehicle route data with glass waste volumes and the distribution of recycling points, the project uncovers how infrastructure and geography shape urban recycling behavior.

Challenge

Mapping multi-layered, interconnected networks of urban flows of Lausanne

Class

Data driven design workshop - master of interaction design SUPSI

Modality

1 week - team of 4

Roles

creative coding

Tools

HTML, CSS, Javascript, 3D.JS

more on the process here ↗

photography of a prototype of a vintage radio

OUTCOME

Users can explore monthly glass collection routes across Lausanne, compare waste volumes by district, and examine the density of ecopoints. The interface invites users to uncover correlations between collection efficiency, waste volume, and local infrastructure making complex urban data tangible and explorable.

Close up

focus on a district
Data visualization of the waste in a month in a district
Data visualization of the total waste by month

Learning

Designing for Explorability

Explored how interface design and interaction can guide users through complex datasets, making data relationships clearer and more engaging.

Finding Meaning in Multilayered Data

Developed strategies for combining demographic, geospatial, and waste data to surface meaningful patterns and actionable insights.

Translating Complex Formats

Learned how to convert and validate spatial data across multiple formats (DXF, JSON, CSV), strengthening data handling and cross-referencing skill