Mycelium Made

System Design UI/UX Design Branding User Research

OVERVIEW:

This project explores how a mycelium-based workshop transforms everyday organic waste - such as coffee grounds and cardboard - into valuable bio-materials, promoting a circular economy.

CONCEPT:

Mycelium Made transforms organic waste into mycelium-based leather products through community workshops, promoting a more visible and participatory circular system.

DURATION:

12 Weeks

TOOLS:

Figma, Adobe InDesign, Generative AI

ROLE:

User Research, Visual & UI Design

01. Overview

Mycelium Made - Circular System

The circular system transforms everyday organic waste into mycelium products, then connects workshops, public engagement and behaviour change to create a continuous cycle of sustainable resource use.

02. Background

Current Linear Waste System in Sydney

Existing linear disposal systems leave valuable organic resources underutilized, contributing to environmental damage across land and water ecosystems. In Sydney, 93% of approximately 3,000 tonnes of annual coffee grounds end up in landfill (Planet Ark, 2016), while Australia landfills around 2.0 Mt of paper and cardboard waste each year (2022 - 23) (DCCEEW, 2025).

"How might we design a visible and participatory recovery system that empowers community residents to learn, engage, and drive circular resource flow?"

03. Research

Research methods used to identify user needs

Research Insights

Strengths

Good location & transportation.
The unused space need activation.
Many residential areas nearby with more residents come to the site for exercise in the morning.
More younger, educated residents nearby.

Opportunities

Sustainable materials (mycelium, coffee grounds from nearby cafe...)
The need for circular economy.
Good scenery & leisure space nearby.
Exhibits space nearby.
Small startup offices nearby.

Weaknesses

Lack of built-in operational framework for events.
Not enough foot traffic during daytime.
The rental of surrounding is expensive, so less business and consumption.

Threats

People don't understand mycelium and sustainability.
Low frequency of people long-term engagement.
Limited budget without an independent revenue stream.

04. Service Touch Points

05. User Testing

Testing Overview

Testing evaluated whether users could understand the brand value, learn about mycelium leather, and navigate key service touchpoints.

Usability Test — 5 participants

Tested users' ability to understand the brand, book workshops, and browse products and events.

User Journey Test — 3 participants

Evaluated the full journey from brand discovery and material understanding to decision-making and post-experience reflection.

Brand workflow unclear

Users need a step-by-step explanation of how the brand works.

Design response: Replace the paragraph with a workflow diagram.

Weak material explanation

Users need clear explanations of the durability and sustainability of mycelium.

Design response: Add detailed material information to the website.

Brand trust gap

Users need real evidence of the experience before attending a workshop.

Design response: Add real participant experiences to the website.

Weak post-engagement

Users need a reason to return or to make a purchase.

Design response: More follow-up engagement pathway.