Design of a Sharing Platform for Objects in Gothenburg

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Background

1.2 Aim and Objectives of the Challenge Lab

1.3 Challenge Lab Structure

1.4 Aim of the Thesis at hand

1.5 Delimitations

1.6 Outline of Thesis

2 The Challenge Lab Process

2.1 Outside-In Perspective

2.1.1 Outside-in methods

2.1.2 Process and utilised Tools

2.1.3 Findings from using the Tools

2.1.4 Reflections on the Outside-In Methods

2.2 Inside-Out Perspective

2.2.1 Inside-Out -Methods

2.2.2 Application of the Methods in the Challenge Lab Process

2.2.3 Reflections on the Inside-Out Methods

2.3 Transition of Socio-Technical Systems – Multilevel Perspective

2.3.1 Theory and Process

2.3.2 Outcome and Reflection

2.4 Design-thinking

2.4.1 Theory and Process

2.4.2 Outcome and Reflection

2.5 Development of the Research Project

3 Project

3.1 Project Aim

3.2 Methods

3.2.1 Part A – Interviews

3.2.2 Part B – Workshops

3.2.3 Part B – Survey

3.2.4 Part B – Gothenburg Startup Hack

3.2.5 Part B – Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Course

3.3 Theory and Practical Applications of a Sharing Economy

3.3.1 Collaborative Consumption Systems

3.3.2 Factors and Driving Forces contributing to the Sharing Economy

3.3.3 Customer Benefits of a Sharing Economy

3.3.4 Environmental Benefits of a Sharing Economy

3.3.5 Overview of existing Sharing Projects of Objects

3.3.6 Currently applied Business Models for Sharing Economy Practices

3.4 Results

3.4.1 Customer Feedback – Survey and Workshops

3.4.2 Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Course

3.4.3 Hardware Solution – Gothenburg Startup Hack

3.4.4 Applicable Business Model

4 Discussion

4.1 The Challenge Lab – Phase I

4.1.1 The Aims of the Challenge Lab

4.1.2 The Challenge Lab Approach

4.1.3 The Challenge Lab Tools and Frameworks

4.2 The Sharing Economy Project – Phase II

4.2.1 Discussion of the Project Methods

4.2.2 Discussion of the proposed Sharing Platform

5 Conclusion

Conclusion of the Challenge Lab Process – Phase I

Conclusion of the Project Process – Phase II

6 Recommendation

6.1 The Challenge Lab

6.2 Future Research Questions

Research Objectives and Focus

This thesis addresses the environmental challenge of inefficient resource utilization by exploring how a sharing economy can be implemented more effectively in urban environments. The research aims to design a more accessible and convenient sharing system for objects in Gothenburg, focusing on the barriers to mass-market adoption and the potential for technological integration.

• Analysis of barriers and drivers for increasing sharing economy participation.
• Evaluation of existing sharing projects and platforms in Gothenburg and Sweden.
• Investigation of public opinion, particularly among students, regarding sharing practices.
• Development of a technological solution (smart box stations) to enhance the convenience of sharing.

Excerpt from the Thesis

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: Provides background on the Challenge Lab at Chalmers and defines the scope, research questions, and structure of this master thesis.

2 The Challenge Lab Process: Details the methodologies used in Phase I, including the "outside-in" and "inside-out" perspectives, and describes how the research project was developed.

3 Project: Covers the practical implementation of the sharing platform project, including interviews, workshops, and the development of a smart box prototype during a hackathon.

4 Discussion: Reflects on the effectiveness of the Challenge Lab methods and evaluates the proposed sharing platform, its limitations, and business feasibility.

5 Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings from both phases, reiterating the potential for a sharing economy in Gothenburg if supported by reliable infrastructure and trust-building mechanisms.

6 Recommendation: Offers insights for future Challenge Lab iterations and proposes specific research topics to address remaining uncertainties, such as policy impacts and insurance models.

Keywords

The Challenge Lab, innovation lab, sharing economy, stakeholders, technical innovation systems, ElectriCity, Gothenburg Startup Hack, backcasting, design thinking, sustainable transport, resource consumption, peer-to-peer, collaborative consumption, smart box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fundamental goal of this thesis?

The main objective is to design a more accessible and convenient system for sharing objects in Gothenburg to promote a more sustainable society and reduce individual consumption.

What are the core research themes?

The study revolves around the barriers to a sharing economy, the role of trust, consumer willingness, and the application of technology to facilitate peer-to-peer resource sharing.

What is the primary research question?

The thesis focuses on how technology can improve the accessibility and convenience of sharing economy principles, specifically regarding physical objects in public urban spaces.

Which methodology was applied?

The research employed the Challenge Lab framework, involving literature reviews, interviews with project initiators, public surveys, brainstorming workshops, and a practical prototyping session at the Gothenburg Startup Hack.

What is covered in the main body?

The thesis outlines the theoretical basis of the sharing economy, details the implementation of a "smart box" infrastructure for object drop-off and pickup, and analyzes the business models required to sustain such a service.

What defines the research?

The thesis is characterized by its focus on "challenge-driven education," multi-level perspective frameworks, sustainable development principles, and practical prototyping.

How is trust addressed in the proposed sharing model?

The research identifies trust as a major barrier and proposes several solutions, including insurance pools funded by deposits based on item value and leveraging existing community networks.

What is the potential impact of the proposed smart box stations?

The smart box stations aim to decouple sharing from the need for personal meetings, thereby increasing the flexibility and convenience of the service and potentially reaching a mass-market audience.