L.UC.I.D

Most people who go to the thrift store do so out of monetary benefit, but no matter the income, people thrift their discarded items or throw them away. Consumption and disposal patterns of consumers and industries have a profound effect on the deterioration of the environment. Through the use of IDEO creative thinking, a team of graduate students collected data from thrift users and high-income consumers for inspiration. Followed by the ideation phases, the team developed a “how might we...” statement, how might we encourage higher-income individuals to upcycle their clothes? To address the question, the team developed an Upcycling Service. Instead of consumers thrifting their old clothes or throwing them away, they would send them to the team. The team would upcycle their clothes following a style guide filled out by the customer. The garment was sent back, and if the customer liked the item, they kept the piece and paid an up-cycling fee. If not, they sent them back, and the team would sell the item on a website.

To prototype this idea, we asked the University of Delaware Fashion faculty and graduate students to participate in the Upcycling Service. The participants followed the Upcycling Service model, and after they received the pieces, they filled out a feedback survey. In the pilot study, participants found enjoyment when receiving a new item and felt satisfaction when helping the planet. There is an opportunity for a new upcycling market by understanding consumers’ awareness and interest in this new phenomenon.