Depok-Three Universitas Indonesia (UI) students, members of the UXplorers team, won second place in the UI/UX Competition category at Techcomfest 2026, organized by the Polytechnic Computer Club (PCC) of Politeknik Negeri Semarang. The competition ran from October 2025 until the final pitching and award ceremony, which was held offline at Politeknik Negeri Semarang.
Techcomfest is an annual information technology competition with various categories, including the UI/UX Competition, which emphasizes user interface (UI) design and user experience (UX) based on case studies. Participants are challenged to find the most effective and efficient digital solutions to the problems presented.
The UXplorers team, consisting of Lubna Al-Aisy (Tourism Business Management), Rivaldo Agria (Creative Advertising, UI Vocational), and Nazwa Siti Fadilah (Creative Multimedia, CCIT FT UI), raised the theme “Urban Waste Management System: Designing Digital Solution for Sustainable Waste Management.” They designed the Bocco application, a digital guide to processing food waste using the bokashi method, a rapid composting technique using effective microorganisms (EM4) for 2–4 weeks anaerobically.
(Photo: Bocco app screenshot)
Lubna, a UX Researcher, explained that the design was conducted through in-depth research using design thinking methodology. “We didn’t immediately accept the assumptions in the case study, but instead revalidated them through research. From there, we discovered that the root of the problem also relates to individual consumption patterns and mindsets,” she said.
The Bocco app is designed to help users process organic waste practically, odorlessly, and without requiring extensive space. Its primary target audience is Gen Z and young families aged 16–27, who are considered highly concerned about environmental issues. To increase engagement, the team implemented a gamification concept in the form of a virtual pet, making the waste processing process a fun and sustainable activity.
(Photo: Three UI students won 2nd place in the UI/UX Competition category)
Bocco’s innovation aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically points 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). Through technology, UI students are contributing to sustainable waste management while raising public awareness of the importance of environmental protection.
The Director of the UI Vocational Education Program, Dr. Safrin Arifin, SKM., S.St., M.Sc., expressed his appreciation for this impressive achievement. “This achievement demonstrates that UI students are capable of presenting innovative, creative, and relevant digital solutions to meet the needs of society. We hope this work will not stop at the competition but will continue to be developed to have a real impact,” he said.
