Designing food waste out of our systems.
We are Core Matter. We research the core causes of food waste, then design campaigns, products, programs, and services that help our communities reduce food waste easily.
OUR PROCESS
Using a human-centered design process, we explore new approaches to tackle causes of climate change. We interview industry experts, talk with the community, and apply behavioral understanding to develop new ideas that we test and refine to become real solutions.
Define the problem
Here we explore core problem and how it relates to the community. What are the biggest sources of emissions? Who is most impacted? Who can we engage to inform and test new solutions?
Research and interview
Before we can come up with new solutions, we need to understand what has been done, and where we’re at. What are current problems the community faces around the core issue? Within the sector or industry, who are the key players? What’s the history of this issue and the community’s relationship with it? How did we get to where we’re at, and who can help us understand a better way forward?
Ideate
Start to generate ideas on how to address the problem. Where can we offer a different perspective or approach? How are existing strategies not reaching the audience? Where are the gaps in the process or communication?
Prototype
Develop the strongest ideas into working prototypes. Prototypes are quick and dirty—just refined enough to function. Do they address the problem and achieve the outcome we’re looking for? Where can we refine or improve?
Test and iterate
Share prototypes with folks we met with originally—community members, experts, and other stakeholders. What works and what doesn’t? Gather feedback, and go back and refine as much as needed.
Roll-out
Partner with community organizations and members to implement the system or product. Conduct follow up reviews to ensure the solution is effective.
CURRENT PROJECT
How to improve composting rates
in multifamily housing?
Organic matter that gets sent to landfill instead of to centralized composting is a significant source of methane, a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Oakland has an aggressive goal to improve composting rates, but rates actually haven’t increased in over 5 years. Multifamily housing has the lowest rate, and lowest rate of increase, of composting in all sectors. We see an opportunity here to fill the gaps, and engage with a key part of the community.
ABOUT US
We are a team with diverse skills, and we’re all passionate about helping our planet and our communities.
Interested in learning more?
Reach out.
Partner on a project
If you're an organization with a specific project in mind needing some strategic design, we'd love to help. Send us a note, and we’ll be in touch soon!
Join the team
We are currently a volunteer-based team. We are looking for more folks who can lend their expertise and passion. Check out our About page for more info.