Reimagining Urban Water Systems
Cities are increasingly grappling with the present and future realities of water scarcity. As populations grow and climate change intensifies, the reliable and equitable provision of clean water within urban environments faces unprecedented challenges. The demand for resources such as water will also grow and intensify as new infrastructure, technologies, and general human needs increase, putting further pressure on current resources. Aging infrastructure, coupled with increasing demand from a growing population, exacerbates the issue. Furthermore, pollution from industrial and domestic sources continues to degrade water quality, jeopardizing the health and well-being of urban communities. These interconnected challenges demand a reimagination of how we manage water resources within our cities, moving beyond traditional approaches towards more sustainable and resilient solutions.
This research explores the concept of "Water Futures" – envisioning potential scenarios for water resources within urban contexts, considering factors such as climate change impacts, population growth, and evolving technologies. By understanding the potential trajectories of urban water systems, we can proactively design solutions that enhance resilience, promote sustainability, and ensure equitable access to clean water for all city residents.
We delved into a range of potential scenarios, from the increasing strain on existing water sources due to population growth and changing consumption patterns to the challenges of managing aging and inefficient infrastructure. We examined the potential for innovative technologies to address these challenges, such as decentralized water systems, rainwater harvesting, and advanced water treatment technologies. Furthermore, we explored the critical role of community engagement, participatory governance, and service design in shaping the future of urban water systems.
Through this research we defined how these future scenarios can inform the design of sustainable water solutions, focusing on our Water Futures-based approach and WaterBoys, a circular water bottle rental service, as a case study. By exploring the potential impacts of various Water Futures scenarios, we were able to assess the resilience and adaptability of the WaterBoys model and identify areas for improvement and further innovation. This approach allowed us to move beyond reactive solutions and proactively design for a future where urban water systems are resilient, equitable, and sustainable.
Shaping the Future of Urban Water
Design Futures is a discipline that moves beyond reactive problem-solving to proactively shape the future through creative and speculative design interventions. Instead of solely addressing existing needs, Design Futures encourages long-term thinking, exploring potential future scenarios and their implications for society and the environment. By considering societal, technological, environmental, and cultural shifts over extended periods, Design Futures challenges conventional assumptions and fosters innovative solutions that are not only responsive to current challenges but also resilient to the uncertainties of the future.
Within this framework, "Water Futures" specifically investigates potential scenarios related to water resources, their management, and their impact on human life and the environment. It moves beyond merely anticipating future water scarcity and explores a broader range of potential outcomes, from the increasing prevalence of extreme weather events to the emergence of new technologies and governance models. It also considers how evolving societal values, changing consumption patterns, and shifts in urban lifestyles will interact with these factors to shape the future of water within cities.
This research utilizes the Design Futures framework to explore a range of potential water futures within urban contexts. We delve into scenarios of increasing scarcity driven by population growth, changing consumption patterns, and the impacts of climate change. We also consider scenarios where technological advancements, such as decentralized water systems, rainwater harvesting, and advanced water treatment technologies, play a crucial role in enhancing water security. Furthermore, we explore how evolving governance models, such as community-based water management and the emergence of new service models, will shape the future of water access and distribution within cities.
By examining these diverse potential futures, we can identify critical design challenges and develop innovative solutions that are not only responsive to current needs but also resilient to the uncertainties of the future.
WATERBOYS LOCATIONS — Convenience is a priority service principle and value of WaterBoys. Pickup and Drop-off locations for WaterBoys can be found throughout the community, leveraging small businesses that are frequented by residents.
A Service for a Water-Resilient Future
Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable water solutions, WaterBoys was born from our research into "Water Futures." It is a circular water bottle rental service designed to address the convenience gap and promote sustainable water consumption within urban communities.
Our research was guided by the observation that "We live in a convenience-driven world, but sustainability is often inconvenient." This fundamental truth underscores a critical design challenge: how do we make sustainable choices the convenient choices? For example, despite acknowledging the environmental harm of plastic water bottles, consumers frequently resort to them due to their immediate accessibility. This disconnect between intention and action presents a significant barrier to widespread adoption of sustainable practices.
Driven by this insight, our research focused on developing a framework for designing more sustainable and equitable water solutions. The key question we sought to answer was: How might we develop a Water Futures-focused Product, Service, and Experience (PSE) that encourages sustainable behaviors through community-first design, reduces negative resource impact, and creates solutions relevant to the context of the community?
WATERBOYS BOTTLES — Packshot of the WaterBoys service bottles. Made of double wall stainless steel, the bottles were designed to be durable, resilient, and easy to clean to accommodate the full service experience and day to day operations
WaterBoys goes beyond simply renting bottles; it's a system designed to challenge the convenience of disposability, foster community resilience, and prioritize circularity. By offering a readily available and affordable alternative to single-use plastic bottles, WaterBoys makes sustainable hydration the effortless choice. The service emphasizes local partnerships and community engagement, creating a network of refill and return points that strengthens community ties and promotes a shared responsibility for water conservation.
The WaterBoys user journey is built around four key principles: Pickup, Drink, Refill, Return. Customers conveniently pick up a pre-filled, high-quality bottle from a designated location using the WaterBoys mobile app for contactless checkout. They then enjoy clean, refreshing water on the go, easily refilling the bottle at any participating refill station or exchanging it for a freshly filled bottle. When finished, they simply return the bottle to any available designated drop-off points spread through the community.
CUSTOMER JOURNEY — Summary of the end to end user journey or the WaterBoys service outlining the steps of pickup, use, drop-off and the backend servicing activities that enable the service operations.
The WaterBoys service is founded on a set of core principles: Accessibility, Quality, Transparency, and Convenience. Affordable pricing and a widespread network of pickup and return points ensure the service is accessible to all community members. Utilizing high-quality, durable bottles and sourcing water from reliable municipal sources guarantees safe and healthy drinking water for all users. Clear communication regarding sanitation processes and service operations builds trust and fosters community understanding of the system. Finally, seamless mobile app integration, contactless transactions, and a user-friendly interface prioritize ease of use and encourage consistent service adoption.
DIGITAL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE — User flows designed for an intuitive user experience while engaging with the WaterBoys service. The app provides a seamless way for users to pick up and drop-off bottles within the community
Behind the scenes, a robust and efficient operational system supports the service. The "nano-factory" concept – localized cleaning and servicing hubs within the community – minimizes environmental impact and fosters local economic activity. This approach ensures that the service operates with minimal environmental footprint while maximizing its positive impact on the local community.
Through the WaterBoys service, we demonstrate the application of our Water Futures research. The service promotes sustainable consumption, encouraging a shift away from single-use plastics and towards a more circular approach to water consumption. This addresses the convenience gap, a critical factor in driving sustainable behavior change. Furthermore, by focusing on community engagement and local partnerships, WaterBoys fosters a sense of shared responsibility for water conservation and builds community resilience.
PERSONAL LOCKET — Necklaces, both ornamental and practical, are natural heirlooms — clearly, as they’ve been part of human culture for 150,000 years. Worn close to the body, they’re intimate and easily protected, making them ideal vessels for precious data or memories, hidden on a film-strip hidden within the pendant.
By addressing the critical need for convenient and sustainable water solutions, WaterBoys aims to contribute to a more water-resilient future for urban communities. This research and case study provides a foundation for ongoing exploration and refinement of the WaterBoys service, including further investigation into emerging technologies, and strategies for scaling and adapting the model to diverse urban contexts and within small local communities.
This research highlights the critical importance of considering "Water Futures" in the design and development of sustainable water solutions. The WaterBoys service serves as a case study demonstrating how design can play a vital role in addressing the challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and climate change through convenient and thoughtful design that represents the needs of our cities.
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