Service Design for E-Waste in Nigeria

Project Overview
Nigeria is the largest e-waste dumping site in the world, exacerbating environmental degradation and posing severe health risks. This project tackled this wicked problem through a human-centered approach, focusing on sustainable solutions that align with local economic, cultural, and environmental contexts.

The Wicked Problem
E-waste is a multifaceted issue in Nigeria, driven by both global and local factors. As discarded electronics from wealthier nations are shipped to Nigeria, the country struggles with unsafe disposal methods, a lack of infrastructure for recycling, and environmental hazards. The informal sector plays a major role in dismantling e-waste, often exposing workers to dangerous chemicals. Moreover, cultural acceptance of second-hand products, or "Tokunbo," while sustainable, further fuels the importation of waste without proper regulatory frameworks. This creates a complex web of economic, environmental, and health challenges that are difficult to untangle.

My Role as a Service Designer
As co-lead, I utilized service design principles to navigate this complex challenge. I worked closely with stakeholders, including policymakers, recyclers, and consumers, to map out the ecosystem of e-waste in Nigeria. Through workshops, interviews, and data analysis, we identified pain points and opportunities within the system. My focus was on developing practical, scalable solutions that addressed both the immediate need for safer disposal methods and long-term cultural shifts towards sustainable consumption. One key aspect of the solution was leveraging the cultural practice of embracing “Tokunbo” products, but reimagining it as part of a circular economy that includes responsible recycling and reuse practices.

Key Takeaway
This project reinforced the power of service design in addressing wicked problems through collaboration and stakeholder engagement. By applying design thinking, we were able to create innovative, contextually relevant solutions for a deeply entrenched issue. The key takeaway from this project is that complex environmental challenges like e-waste require not only technological interventions but also cultural shifts and regulatory support. This experience highlighted my ability to lead service design projects that balance innovation with practical, scalable solutions, positioning me to tackle similarly complex problems in future roles.