Developing My Project
This week, our project took on a more defined shape as we engaged in training on ideation and prototyping, along with a strategy session to optimise the talents of our remarkable volunteer team.
Our challenge: “How might we improve the implementation of the digitization process to ensure Rennueva has a smooth transition for clients and staff towards higher efficiency and impact?”
Throughout out project, my team hope to ensure that every member of staff feels confident in using the new platform and that it meets the needs of each of their roles, as well as that the new platform is easy to navigate for clients so that they understand their impact and continue to see the importance of recycling their materials, to contribute to a more circular economy.
Visiting and Working with Rennueva
Kicking Off the Project
In the second week, we fully kick-started our project by visiting Rennueva in person, gaining an in-depth understanding of their structures and challenges. We explored the hurdles of digitisation, including staff communication, their ideas and concerns about the new platform, and the best strategies for facilitating the transition through training and platform adaptation. As a team, we felt this was the part direction to begin our project, as the staff will be using the new technology every day, and it will be a central part of their ability to work efficiently and improve the imapact of the work Rennueva is able to carry out.
Project Development
These first stages of our project will aid in developing a training program for staff, in collaboration with their communications team, and provide valuable insights to the software development team on platform usability. We also learned about Rennueva’s educational outreach, including their specially designed bus that travels across the city to educate people about recycling processes.
One particularly inspirational aspect of our project is the technology developed from the CEO’s university thesis. It has evolved from a small prototype to industrial-scale machinery, showcasing the power of young people’s ideas and their ability to drive large-scale positive change on an industrial scale. Witnessing this transformation was especially meaningful for us as current students.
Within the week, we were also able to take the other Laidlaw teams to Rennueva and introduce them to our project and collaborators, with many questions asked about the scheme and how it is able to solve the many problems faced within CDMX.
Project Goals
Our goal from working on this project is to enhance Rennueva’s efficiency and data collection, improve accessibility for clients through an online portal and rewards scheme, and streamline staff workflows. By reducing reliance on physical documents prone to loss or damage, we aim to make the working day easier for the staff, improving their ability to upload and share information, and reducing the stress caused by working with physical copies of information.
Our Volunteer Community
During our first meeting with our volunteer team, we were deeply inspired by their dedication to waste management and their commitment to enhancing systems within their communities. The wealth of experience they bring—from client consultants to software developers—will be crucial in ensuring a successful digital transition for Rennueva.
As we move forward, we aim to create a close-knit community among our volunteers, empowering them to make a significant impact while developing personally and professionally. We also hope they will gain insights into creating positive changes in their communities regarding waste management and are able to make changes to their lifestyle on both an individual level as well as educate others about the work of Rennueva, as well as other recycling schemes across the city and states.
Exploring Art
Cultural Exploration
One aspect I have enjoyed specifically during my time in Mexico is exploring the many cultural sites within the city, most notably the wide range of art galleries. This week, we joined some volunteers to explore the Palacio de Bellas Artes and La Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México, as well as the Soumaya and Jumex Museums.
Man, Controller of the Universe – Diego Rivera
Within the Palacio de Bellas Artes, there was a particular painting that caught my interest. The story behind this painting is full of controversy due to its display of contrasting political ideologies as well as the role of science within the development of humanity. The original painting, titled “Man at the Crossroads,” was ordered to be destroyed before its completion by Nelson Rockefeller, who originally commissioned the work.
The painting contrasts socialism and capitalism with scenes of wealthy people gambling alongside Lenin and the Irish Famine. In the center, a man is shown controlling natural forces such as mitosis and supernovas, as well as natural resources. The end of authoritarian rule is highlighted through the God Jupiter with a broken thunderbolt and a headless statue of Caesar, symbolizing the new age of scientific discovery and social enlightenment.
Soumaya and Jumex Museums
Additionally, I explored the Museos de Soumaya and Jumex. The Soumaya contains both ancient and modern pieces, displaying art from ancient Mesoamerica through to modern European pieces, all housed within a stunning architectural design by Fernando Romero with a hexagonal aluminum façade. The Jumex displayed more modern abstract art, with current exhibitions focusing on the work of Damien Hirst with the exhibition titled: “Vivir para siempre (por un momento)” or “To Live Forever (for a While).” The biological focus of this exhibition was particularly intriguing for me, as the artist explores a wide range of aspects of life, both physical and psychological, with inspiration from Mexican culture.