Return a bottle, get your deposit back — without the friction.
DOA (Depozitosu Olan Ambalajlar) is Turkey's nationwide recycling platform that lets citizens return beverage containers and get their deposit back. It integrates QR scanning, return-machine (RVM) locations, e-wallet tracking, and a reward system — making recycling effortless for everyone.
Recycling rates in Turkey are low due to limited awareness, complex processes, and few incentives. People often throw recyclable containers away because returning them isn't convenient or rewarding.
People recycle when it's easier to return a bottle than to throw it away.
Let every citizen return containers easily via QR codes and machines
Increase recycling participation across all ages
Ensure accessibility and simplicity for a diverse population
18–65 general citizens who buy beverages and use the system frequently.
Students, families, and elderly users seeking convenience and financial rewards.
Method 40-person survey, 6 in-depth interviews, 4 prototype tests
| Germany Pfand | Norway RVM | DOA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR & barcode return | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Refund options | Voucher | Voucher / E-wallet | E-wallet + Bank |
| App integration | Limited | Basic | Full mobile integration |
| User experience | Moderate | Strong | Modern, simple, for all ages |
Citizens don't know where to return containers
Long queues or complicated refunds reduce motivation
No way to track refunds
Elderly users struggle with complex interfaces
Mehmet frequently buys bottled water and sodas for both his shop and his family. He cares about the environment but has little time, and wants a simple way to return containers and get his deposit back quickly.
Stakeholder interviews, user research, and an audit of the current experience to understand the real problem.
Synthesizing findings into clear problems, user goals, flows, and the information architecture.
Wireframes to high-fidelity UI, built on a component system and refined through iteration.
Prototyping, usability testing, and a documented hand-off engineering can build from confidently.
Current balance plus a monthly recycling summary by material type. Quick actions (Pay, Receive, Transfer) and a recent-transactions list build transparency and trust.
An interactive map with clear markers shows nearby machines and distances. A detail card gives exact location and machine count, so trips are easy to plan.
Celebrates impact with a hero message — total recycled items, CO₂ reduction, energy saved — plus per-material stats and a most-used-machines list to reinforce the habit.
9 screens from the final design — tap any to enlarge.
Designing strong, age-friendly defaults and a transparent balance screen did more for adoption than any incentive — clarity is the real reward.
