The three distinct phases of 10TouchPoints seek to bring better design in the public space to fruition. Phase One called for members of the public to nominate and vote for items, services or types of places that they would like redesigned. Phase Two saw designers respond to an open competition to redesign the top 10 most voted items. Phase Three focused on the review and implementation of winning designs (refer to Annex for more information).
“Good design motivates the way people interact with our environment and the 10TouchPoints program seeks to pique Singaporeans’ interest in improving the design of everyday objects. Through engaging Singaporeans, design producers and public agencies, we hope the 10TouchPoints initiative will continually improve the lives of Singaporeans and contribute to a better living environment,” said Dr Milton Tan, Director, DesignSingapore Council.
During the conceptualisation of the initial design, Chemistry sought to understand psychological motivations behind recycling and people’s perceptions towards trash. A key component of Chemistry’s award winning concept was the effective use of visual communication in the form of a newspaper, a can and a bottle to attract attention to the bins and remind users of the intrinsic value in recyclable materials. The surface of the recycling bins includes interesting recycling information provided by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to encourage people to recycle even more.
Working closely with DesignSingapore Council, Changi Airport and NEA, Chemistry worked over a 10-month period to produce a final version that works best in the airport environment. During the prototype-testing phase earlier this year, the new recycling bins collected twice the amount of recyclable materials compared to the previous bins.
The new compact design suits space constraints and allows for flexibility to move the bins at the airport. A modular connector system enables the three connected bins to be placed linearly or curved around columns and bends. Additionally, the bins are designed with features including a security locking system and a turntable system for easy replacement of the internal bin liner catering specifically to how refuse is collected within the airport terminals.
“This project is an example of bringing innovative ideas to engage and delight passengers at the airport,” said Yeo Kia Thye, Director (Airport Operations), Changi Airport Group.
“We hope these recycling bins will encourage passengers and airport visitors to be more mindful of what they dispose and bring across the importance of being environmentally-friendly.”
“The Chemistry team strongly believes that good design goes beyond aesthetics and needs to engage and shape human behaviour. Our deep experience across branding, graphic and product design has enabled us to bridge the rational and the emotional. We hope the new recycling bins at Changi Airport will bring lasting and positive benefits to its users,” said Bassam Jabry, Chemistry.
Currently, DesignSingapore is in discussion with the National Parks Board and Housing Development Board to develop two other winning redesign ideas from the first competition. DesignSingapore will launch the second edition of 10TouchPoints later this year.

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