# data[].attributes.body
In my Dream Phase, my Eco-Spotlight focuses on identifying the deeper environmental root causes behind the problems I want to solve. Instead of only reacting to visible issues, I aim to understand the systems, structures, and mental models that create them.

By connecting events to patterns and underlying structures, I can design solutions that create long-term impact rather than temporary fixes.

# data[].attributes.body
by raising awareness, this would help us to improve the way we address the situations at hand.

# data[].attributes.body
involvement of locals is the first and foremost thing.

# data[].attributes.body
food wastage focused tableware designs already iterated and implemented for different cultures can be remixed for Indian context.

# data[].attributes.body
Co creating with the user group instead of ideating based on assumptions.

# data[].attributes.body
The solution was not built for the users, rather built with the users and hence there was a closer feedback and iteration loop. It was also made using local materials that added to the success of the solution.

# data[].attributes.body
Water scarcity, caused by overconsumption, can be addressed by creating a filter system capable of recycling water from laundry, showers, and household cleaning. This would allow people to reuse the water they consume, reducing waste and helping preserve limited water resources.

# data[].attributes.body
it was easy to replicate

# data[].attributes.body
what makes a project succesful is making it user centric that is involving people from the start of the project who are directly affected by the cahallenge you aim to provie a solution for

# data[].attributes.body
Success also depends on testing early, learning from users, and improving continuously based on real feedback.

# data[].attributes.body
The solution integrated knowledge from communities often overlooked and created sustainable change

# data[].attributes.body
I feel as if my project is something which will need on field experience and i am planning to do the in the summer.

# data[].attributes.body
I feel as if a deep understanding of the problem and a on hand or on field experience would help the person understand the problem in a better way and brainstorm solutions

# data[].attributes.body
i should build a system which is locally feasible among people and problem oriented in simple way but smart

# data[].attributes.body
they used available resources with minimum cost and developed a simple solution in smart way

# data[].attributes.body
Fully understanding the situation and consulting the locals instead of assuming the solution.

# data[].attributes.body
It was crucial that the local community was involved so the initiative was supported, tailored to their lifestyle, and could be sustained. This was something that was needed but not a lot of money could be contributed. It was important that it was a low cost solution.

# data[].attributes.body
Being hands on and understanding what the communities are facing and what already exists

# data[].attributes.body
Not reinventing the wheel, but using what already works

# data[].attributes.body
Mahabir Pun our renowned enternpreuner and social activist in nepal, who is serving as an education minister at this moment, after the massive gen z movement against corruption in nepal, has brought internet to villages of himalayan where basic amenities and infrastructures lacked and now because of his efforts, the inhabitants of many villages and rural areas has now access to internet and they sell their home produce overall the world.

# data[].attributes.body
The rural area has a different way of life compared to the city. People in rural areas have limited access to information about how the world works or even about basic values in life.

# data[].attributes.body
It can break the limit of limited access in rural areas. The people will know more about the value of life

# data[].attributes.body
Don't scare people with totally new things. Add something to solution that makes them feel familiar so that they can use it swiftly without worrying

# data[].attributes.body
Applying indigenous solution to a pressing local problem is incorporated easily without resistance to change.

# data[].attributes.body
1. The solution succeeded because it was co-designed with the community, used locally available resources, and fit naturally into people’s daily lives.

2. I can apply similar ideas by involving communities in designing flood solutions and using locally available, nature-based methods for sustainability.

# data[].attributes.body
To encourage the waste separation practices, I would like to bring insights from whether in their daily life they are separating physical objects for any purposes. How do they do it? what makes it worthy of the effort? and whether the similar ways can be expanded to sorting of waste at individual household levels.

# data[].attributes.body
Instead of relying on tech based highly consumptive solutions, I'll be focusing more on affordable and simple solutions out of available resources.

# data[].attributes.body
The solution made use of what was already available in the environment. Using it in a way that supported villagers.

# data[].attributes.body
Q1: What makes a solution successful?
A solution is successful when it genuinely solves a pressing need for its target users, fits their context and constraints, and can be delivered sustainably (financially, operationally, and environmentally). Success isn’t just uptake—it’s measurable impact, user satisfaction, and adaptability over time.

Q2: What conditions make success more likely?
Deep understanding of user behavior and motivations, co-creation with affected communities, testing and iteration, clear value proposition, and alignment with systemic incentives (policy, economics, culture) dramatically raise the odds of success.

# data[].attributes.body
Partnering with local experts really helped to ground a feasible and effective solution.

# data[].attributes.body
What helped the solution success is first by co designing with the community who are in need for the solution and creating a sustainable alterations for the community that will not cost them more.

# data[].attributes.body
Organic waste is not handled effectively at harvesting and farm to market transportation. If the behavior is changed to make sustainable animal feeds, we introduce a practical solution for waste.

# data[].attributes.body
Reduce waste by using simple segregation and collection techniques

# data[].attributes.body
This solution addressed the gap which other solutions couldn't- affordability and feasibility. It wasn't based on a technology that couldn't be accessed in these regions and rather worked on what was already there to fix the issue.

# data[].attributes.body
The youth-led initiative involved importantly, co design and creative thinking to turn the environmental problem into a practical asset, Finally, collaboration with the community members in the project guarantees cultural shift to sustainability- behavior and attitudes.

# data[].attributes.body
I can apply similar problem solving methods to my ideas by using resources in my environment instead of trying to outsource resources to create solution.

# data[].attributes.body
Adaptability helped this solution succeed in solving the community's environmental problem. By adapting to the resources the community had, the team was able to create a viable, effective solution.

# data[].attributes.body
It has to be accessible!

# data[].attributes.body
A solution is successful when it solves a need in a regenerative and sustainable way.

# data[].attributes.body
They have came great feats yet they need to show more credibility standardization and adoption.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that more accessible solutions can be developed, especially to reduce carbon emissions around me.

# data[].attributes.body
The solution achieved is very cheap and accessible and does not require any high costs,

# data[].attributes.body
I need to have a better understanding of stakeholders' needs.

# data[].attributes.body
I think the fact that the answer was so accessible led to its particularly successful outcome.

# data[].attributes.body
It was a cultural fit, as it used already existing materials(seen as waste) to purify the water. It was simple, relatable and posed no environmental risk, leaving no room for skepticism.

# data[].attributes.body
co-creation with the community so the solution is actually helping them and they can easily adopt it with their current lifestyle

# data[].attributes.body
My approach can succeed because it attacks the challenge at multiple levels of the Iceberg-not just cleaning plastics but shifting the entire waste systems and mindset. The cash incentives will always motivate households participate in the recycling program

# data[].attributes.body
Replacing the need to purchase new clothes with upcycling and DIY.

# data[].attributes.body
Involving the community, using natural and low-cost materials.

# data[].attributes.body
Making sure your solution shows a deep understanding of the community your serving and their needs. Also thinking about the long-term sustainability of the project itself e.g. time/resources etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Understanding the region and using resources available in that region as part of the solution - making it more sustainable for the community to continue.

# data[].attributes.body
Low cost setup, upkeep and use of minimal energy and input to create sustainable filtration systems.

# data[].attributes.body
Understanding the problem comprehensively by actually talking with the locals and getting them involved in the process really ensured their success.

# data[].attributes.body
I think leveraging on the gabs and strengths of existing solutions are some important ways to start. Also, co-creating a solution without entirely disrupting extant practices are important, too.

# data[].attributes.body
Go backwards and see what past systems are effective in addressing the problem I want to solve and see if I can adapt the solution.

# data[].attributes.body
They were able to use their local knowledge and resources and adapt to a problem they were facing.

# data[].attributes.body
Keeping things simple due to location of rural community as well as working directly with the people of this community.

# data[].attributes.body
I think this has shown me how to select a relevant problem, frame it in an important way, and work with those who care.

# data[].attributes.body
I think the problem the solution was trying to solve was very relevant and therefore, it was most likely easier to get people on board and committed to working together.

# data[].attributes.body
I can apply similar problem-solving ideas to my project by embracing user-centric design, placing the needs and experiences of my users at the core of the solution. This means actively listening to their challenges and co-creating with them to ensure that the final product is not only sustainable but also practical and compatible with their existing systems. In the case of my project, this approach translates into adapting our biomaterial to fit current industrial processes, machinery, and workflows used by paper and packaging companies. By doing so, our clients can integrate our material seamlessly, without needing to change or invest in new infrastructure. This alignment between innovation and user context ensures easier adoption, minimizes resistance, and maximizes real-world impact.

# data[].attributes.body
This solution succeeded because it was co-created alongside local communities, ensuring that it truly responded to their real needs and contexts. The team worked collaboratively with local people, listening carefully to their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Rather than imposing an external idea, they adapted the solution together, incorporating local knowledge, habits, and available resources. By integrating materials native to the region, such as local plants and fibers, they ensured the design was both culturally relevant and technically feasible.

# data[].attributes.body
Really understanding the local place and Needs properly and what are their current problem points that they need solutions for. plastic maybe a problem in coastal areas but maybe in other areas but to understand this connecting with locals and understanding the problems is very crutial.

# data[].attributes.body
the exisiting solution was depended on electricity which was not consistent and expensive for that community Are solution was easily adoped because it was low tech which depended on plant and it showed promising results.

Low tech + low solution + results to the problem = Adoption.

Further it was able to give a comparison with something else which they could relate with.

# data[].attributes.body
yes, I can talk with people about the problem and solving

# data[].attributes.body
I can make sure to always be in communication with my customers and instead of presenting what I think are "innovative" solutions, I can listen and observe what they are already doing. This can then be turned into something that is scalable.

# data[].attributes.body
Using materials that were readily available and in abundance AND making this system in partnership with their customers rather than building a full solution without input and just hoping it is effective.

# data[].attributes.body
I am tackling vehicle emissions in my community. Car pooling is already used, and I can remix that with the use of renewable fuel to minimize vehicle emissions as much as possible to combat the effects of climate change

# data[].attributes.body
I can make my sollution more user-centric becaus at first my solution was tackling a global challenge that I did not explore fully in the context of my community.

# data[].attributes.body
The solution was user-centric and involved community members, which helped the team of students, in collaboration with engineers, to fully understand the context of the problem, which helped them to refine their solution as they were loooking at it from the challenge from the community's getting deeper understanding of the challenge.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the things that makes a solution successful is co-design as stated previously. Working with local people and hearing from them are the key to success.

# data[].attributes.body
success also depends on the collaborators and if they are willing to work together to solve problems for and by the community

# data[].attributes.body
Pair waste segregation with small rewards for households or groups that consistently separate their waste correctly. Rewards could include community recognition, compostable goods, or discounts on local services. The community can co-manage the tracking system, which helps build accountability and engagement.

# data[].attributes.body
The solution succeeded because it was designed with the community rather than just for them. Involving local farmers in building the low-tech evaporative cooling chambers made the solution contextually appropriate, affordable, and more likely to be adopted. Using locally available materials like clay, sand, and recycled bricks reduced costs and made the solution replicable.

Pairing construction with training on food handling and maintenance empowered the community to manage and sustain the solution independently, ensuring its long-term effectiveness.

# data[].attributes.body
Need to think simpler, and continue along the lines of co-design

# data[].attributes.body
The interdisciplinary team, along with co-designing it with local villagers

# data[].attributes.body
Community involvement and buyin, use local resources and learning from existing solutions.

# data[].attributes.body
Read case studies of companies solving more or less similar problem and earn about solutions they are using. Consult local people who have already existing solution on the problem I am working on.

# data[].attributes.body
They looked for existing solutions, tweaked them to fit their problem and used local resources already available to them at a low cost.

# data[].attributes.body
I can apply a similar solution to my problem by co-creating with the community and leveraging technical innovation. Just as I engaged local groups in waste and energy projects, I will involve waste collectors, youth, and women cooperatives in sourcing plastics, ensuring both livelihood creation and steady raw material supply. By combining this with engineering-based product design and pilot testing, I can adapt the solution to meet construction market needs while maintaining community ownership. This approach ensures that the recycling venture is not only technically sound but also socially inclusive and sustainable.

# data[].attributes.body
Understanding the value co-creation with local stakeholders, ensuring solutions matched real needs. My background in environmental and biosystems engineering gave me the technical capacity to design practical, low-cost solutions such as upcycling plastic waste and green charcoal production.

# data[].attributes.body
Using locally available resources can really help with making your solution more affordable and scalable, hence more impactful.

# data[].attributes.body
I hope to also employ community participation in the solution.

# data[].attributes.body
The solution was nature-based and low cost. This made it's impact ripple beyond their local community. It was a repeatable, simple model for change.

# data[].attributes.body
Working with local partners to document narratives of communities living next to ecological frontiers

# data[].attributes.body
Low-cost and efficient

# data[].attributes.body
They looked at similar areas (climate) and what they were doing - allowing that to best translate

# data[].attributes.body
In the United States, a lot of nonprofits fix issues the government won't. However, many of those nonprofits are based on government funding which has been dramatically reduced with the current administration. Instead of relying on this source of funding, let's lean into community-based funding models. We can all pitch in what we have to improve our own communities.

# data[].attributes.body
The solution was context-based. It was created with the people, local environment, and natural resources in mind. It didn't impost solutions that work in other areas, but it crafted a solution based on what will work for them.

# data[].attributes.body
A solution becomes successful when it is designed with the community in mind and fits naturally into people’s daily lives. Creative, context-aware approaches that turn local problems into opportunities ensure long-term impact and acceptance.

# data[].attributes.body
Using recycled materials and materials that don't break the bank.

# data[].attributes.body
I would say going straight to the community, interacting with them and finding the root cause and really working together with them.

# data[].attributes.body
As a country with limited space for agriculture as the days pass, I would upcycle plastic waste into creating modular vertical farming grids that work under the sun, powered by batteries, maximizing crop produce area and with the addition of extra smart tech powered by solar energy to effectively grow greens and other everyday perishables autonomously using AI.

# data[].attributes.body
The low tech, cheap upfront investment, low maintenance and easy upkeep made it really successful in a rural setting.

# data[].attributes.body
It relied on a tried and tested traditional science of using the pores in clay/bricks that retains a cold temperature on the inside as water evaporates outside through a larger surface area.

# data[].attributes.body
Collaboration and co-creation make a solution successful. This involves getting to interact with the people experiencing a certain problem, getting to understand their needs, as well as the structure of their conditions, and building solutions together.

# data[].attributes.body
The issue is that people receive low income from agriculture and the land is extremely unfertile. The solution is to form an organic farming community where farmers cultivate together and share profits equally, making the sector more rewarding. This venture will begin with local women’s collectives, giving them both economic opportunity and ownership. Starting with mushroom farming ensures quick returns, while farmers also work on improving soil health for long-term sustainability.

# data[].attributes.body
Using something that the community knows very well. the solution was not this big fancy new tech that might caused a lot of people to apprehensive but it showed that solutions are within their reach

# data[].attributes.body
I will apply this community-centered approach to my own projects by first identifying key local influencers like the school children in Kampala who can become champions for change. I will design simple, rewarding systems that make participation easy and satisfying, such as gamified tasks or small, immediate incentives. Building in visible, quick-win milestones will maintain momentum and belief in the process. Crucially, I will forge partnerships that create a tangible value chain, turning participation into a source of pride and economic benefit, ensuring the solution is not imposed but owned and sustained by the community itself.

# data[].attributes.body
The solution succeeded by making school children its heroes. Each school received colorful "trash for toys" bins where children exchanged plastic bottles for pencils or soccer balls.

Kids became passionate eco-warriors, educating parents and competing in class recycling contests.

This created a ripple effect ( households started proper sorting to support their children.)

Partnering with schools ensured consistent participation while building environmental values in the next generation. The children’s excitement transformed community attitudes, making cleaning not a chore but a source of pride and reward, ensuring the program’s lasting success through youthful energy and hope.

# data[].attributes.body
I think what makes a successful solution is user centeredness and co-design