EMPOWERING HONG KONG'S CLEANERS THROUGH DESIGN INNOVATION

Essential Workers, Essential Tools

Hong Kong's street cleaners are the unsung heroes of our urban landscape. Every day, they ensure our city stays clean and livable. Yet their most basic tool—the cleaning trolley—has remained unchanged for decades, causing physical strain and limiting work efficiency.

 

Co-Creating Change Together

J.C.DISI's "Co-Designing Iron Trolley for Cleaners" initiative brings together cleaners, designers, and community members to revolutionize this essential equipment through participatory design.

 

Our Approach

• Deep User Understanding: Working directly with cleaners to experience their daily challenges
• Multi-stakeholder Collaboration: Partnering with unions, community centers, and professional designers
• Human-centered Design: Creating solutions that prioritize worker wellbeing and safety
• Real-world Testing: Developing and refining prototypes based on actual usage

Impact Goals

• Reduce physical strain on workers
• Improve operational efficiency
• Enhance workplace safety
• Raise public awareness and respect for cleaners' contributions

This initiative represents more than just equipment redesign; it's about recognizing and supporting the essential workers who keep Hong Kong running. Through thoughtful design and community collaboration, we're working to create lasting positive change for our city's cleaners.

  

 

Innovative Design Principles Solutions

Our design approach focused on four key areas of improvement, driven by direct cleaner feedback and professional design expertise:

ERGONOMIC ENHANCEMENT

Challenge:

• Prolonged bending during operation
• High physical strain during movement

Solutions:
✓ Adjustable handlebar extension
✓ Optimized pushing mechanics
→ Reduces back strain
→ Improves maneuverability

 

SAFETY-FIRST BRAKE SYSTEM

Challenge:

• Instability on slopes
• Difficult downhill control

Solutions:
✓ Handlebar-integrated brake system
✓ Enhanced brake mechanism for longer trolleys
→ Better slope stability
→ Improved control in varied terrain

 

INTELLIGENT TOOL STORAGE

Challenges:

• Unsecured long-handled tools
• Falling garbage bags
• Inefficient storage space

Solutions:
✓ Purpose-built side guards
✓ Reinforced back netting system
✓ Dedicated horizontal storage bar
→ Secure tool placement
→ Improved organization
→ Enhanced operation efficiency

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT OPTIMIZATION

Challenges:

• Exposed waste materials
• Limited capacity
• Unstable load management

Solutions:
✓ Innovative coverage design
✓ Retractable extension system
→ Better hygiene
→ Increased capacity
→ Improved stability

   

 

Rigorous Testing & Validation

Laboratory Testing

Our commitment to safety led us to partner with the Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre for comprehensive brake testing:

• Week-long trials on 7-degree inclines
• 100kg load capacity testing
• Successful pass with "No significant slippage"

 

Street-Level User Testing

Real-world validation with four cleaners across Hong Kong:

• Multi-district testing: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and New Territories
• 3-4 day testing period
• Direct user feedback and observation

 

Key Features & User Feedback

Design Successes

✓ Enhanced Brake System

• Reliable on slopes
• Wind-resistant stability
• User-approved safety features

✓ Ergonomic Handlebar Extension

• Reduces physical strain
• Improves uphill mobility
• Universal user adoption

✓ Protective Elements

• Nylon back net prevents spillage
• Practical side guards
• Versatile storage options

 Areas for Refinement

• Weight optimization needed
• Optional extension bracket utility
• Covered bin space efficiency

 

Future Directions: Expansion Plans

• Broader user testing across regions
• Different cleaner profiles inclusion
•  Extended testing periods
• Stakeholder engagement for implementation

 

Connecting Clearner Welfare to Waste Management 

Community Research Initiative
In parallel with our trolley project, we've investigated the broader context of waste management:

Community Challenges

• Limited space for waste sorting
•  Infrastructure barriers
• Financial concerns
• Practical recycling difficulties

Innovation Opportunities

• Mobile recycling stations
• Community barter systems
• Staircase recycling solutions
• Collaborative waste reduction initiatives

We believe this comprehensive approach connects cleaner welfare with community waste management, working toward a more sustainable and equitable Hong Kong.