ReCover Smartphone Repurposing Service

Press Kit

Unique Properties

ReCover is a conceptual service offered by smartphone manufacturers that helps non-tech-savvy users to repurpose obsolete phones into useful devices. Intelligent ReCover app allows user to find a suitable repurpose solution. The service helps users to save phones from the landfill and acquire new useful hardware for less. ReCover is intended to be offered directly by device manufacturers who can profit from old devices by providing subscription-based services without developing new hardware.

Dimensions & Packaging

132.5 x 181.5 x 22 mm (webcam),
171.5 x 45.5 x 80 mm (touchpad),
109 x 181.5 x 44 mm (security camera)

Tags

sustainability, technology, smartphone, e-waste, recycling, upcycling, service, affordable, webcam, security camera

Production Technology

ReCover hardware was designed to be extremely affordable and is made of injection moulded recycled ABS plastic, using off-the-shelf elements such as bi-coloured LED panels. On the inside, memory foam was used to make sure phones of a wide range of thicknesses can be secured. Other materials such as 70% transparent optical beamsplitter glass and extra thick 200gsm vellum were used to discretely conceive the smartphone inside the ReCover webcam and touchpad cases respectively.

Design Challenge

Fitting a wide range of phones of different sizes, camera and charging port locations was a significant challenge during this project's form development. Additional challenges included software integration across various phone manufacturers. Research conducted into complexities of jailbreaking and rooting led to the conclusion that the service will have to be offered by the company that released the original OS, which has opened up a possibility of a dedicated OS that would tailor the phone's system for the chosen repurpose solution.

Project Duration

This project has started in Nottingham, United Kingdom on 03 October 2020 and finished on 11 December 2020.

Operation Flow

User downloads ReCover app and launches intelligent hardware and firmware scan after which app gives user options of what their phone can become based on its condition. User orders the ReCover kit of their choice. When it arrives, the app erases current OS and installs new OS that optimises phone for its new role. It takes less than 5 minutes to put the phone in the ReCover case, set it up and start using as an entirely new product.

Research

Market analysis, user interview and survey were used to gain research insight. My goal was to determine what kind of users were most likely to have old phones and what their needs were. Research has revealed that users in developed countries were more likely to hoard old technology devices. Millennials, this project's target market, were found to need simple and affordable repurpose solutions the most due to the combination of financial challenges, higher environmental awareness, and being the most DIY-averse demographic.

Inspiration

7.1 billion smartphones have been produced since 2007. In the UK, only 12% of those went on to be recycled. 57% of Britons have old phones lying around, which amounts to staggering 125m devices. Most brands strive to offer more recycling options, but according to Ellen McArthur Foundation, repurpose is more sustainable since materials remain in use longer and less additional energy is spent. Old smartphones remain powerful electronic devices, and their potential inspired me to create ReCover.

Image Credits

Anastasia Klimova

Colors of ReCover Smartphone Repurposing Service