With the city at maximum capacity for electric scooters (e-scooters), their full force is becoming more and visible in the city around us. While they’re sustainable and sleek, they often clog public sidewalks. They’re a potential solution to Boise’s lack of public transportation options and a boon for environmentally friendly policy, but they’re also a bother for business owners and a wheelchair accessibility issue.

Though easy, efficient, and cheap, single-use packaging is a threat to the environment and to the future of the Earth. Plastic is incredibly harmful. Its creation causes carbon emissions and it never truly has an “end” as a product. Whether these plastics are put in the trash or recycled, they will eventually end up in the landfill where they can sit for 400 to 1,000 years before breaking down into microplastics.

The Taste It, Don’t Waste It team worked on the problem of food waste in Boise. Food deemed inedible and thrown away has become a daunting issue, and one that does not seem very approachable. Beyond saving money, individuals who are mindful not to waste food contribute to keeping the environment healthy.

The Rad Radish team partnered with Shoreline Plaza, a low-income housing facility for elderly and disabled individuals, to help provide its residents with fresh, healthy produce. After their initial interview, the team learned that one major problem facing the residents is a lack of access to fresh produce.

Many people are familiar with first responders, but what about dispatchers? Dispatchers are responsible for aiding 911 callers and sending help their way.

This design team focused on the experiences and mental and physical health of 911 dispatchers.

When deciding what to eat, the majority of young adults choose the most convenient, tasty, and affordable option, which is likely not the most nutritious.

The Resources For Mindful Eating team understood that mindful and healthy eating is important to one’s lifestyle. Initially they defined their demographic as young adults, but after deeper inspection of the problem at hand, the Design Lab team found that their problem applied to more than just one user group.

The Vaping Prevention Education Design Lab team identified the significant increase of vape use by minors as an issue threatening their health. After researching possible causes and potential solutions, the team came up with the question: How might we make vaping appear less appealing to at-risk elementary students?

It is well known that college students don’t get enough sleep. According to Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 60% of college students feel tired during the day.

In order to help solve this widespread issue, the Tri-Sleep team began by testing a before-bed meditation exercise.

This Design Lab team is very passionate about being in the outdoors. They began the design process by examining issues surrounding outdoor first aid, avalanche safety, and outdoor preparedness.

The Boise River Greenbelt is a jewel of the Boise community. This 36-mile park in the Treasure Valley captures the natural beauty of the outdoors. From the outside, it looks perfect, but in reality, it has some problems.