This project explored the application of participatory design methodologies to encourage sustainable behavior within Hong Kong’s urban context. The goal was to co-create a character that could effectively communicate and inspire sustainable practices in a way that resonated with the local population.
In collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Hong Kong and students from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the workshop was structured around participatory design principles developed by UNAM Mexico City, integrating service design methods, user-centered design, and behavioral design.

The process was divided into two main phases. In the first phase, participants documented their daily routines—morning, work/university, and evening—identifying which behaviors they believed to be the most sustainable. A voting process then prioritized the most impactful actions. The second phase focused on synthesizing this data, where small groups collaboratively developed an ideal sustainable daily routine based on the most voted habits. These routines were mapped to a timeline, allowing participants to visualize how these behaviors could be integrated into everyday life.

The workshop culminated in a discussion on how these insights could be applied within the Goethe-Institut’s operations, leading to the concept of a sustainability notebook. This notebook would feature a checklist of sustainable actions and a Goethe Character to guide users toward more sustainable living.
Participant feedback highlighted the value of the participatory approach and international collaboration, while also suggesting areas for improvement, such as clearer task instructions and a stronger theoretical introduction to participatory design. This project demonstrates the potential of service design methodologies in shaping behavioral change by leveraging collaborative, user-driven processes to create impactful sustainability solutions.