Overconsumption is not only about how much we buy, but also how we relate to what we already own. Many of us keep things we never use, or discard objects that still hold value. A major driver behind this behaviour is rooted in our emotions. Guilt, sentimentality, disconnection, or even indifference can shape the way we make decisions about our possessions, often without us even noticing.

Exploring the Problem
This project explores the hidden dynamics of ownership. It is not just about the moment of purchase, but what happens afterwards. Through interviews, cultural probes, and co-creation methods, I uncovered how emotional attachments and avoidance patterns fuel both clutter and waste. Some people hold on tightly to items out of guilt or sentiment. Others discard things quickly to declutter or make space, only to buy again. These behaviors may seem opposite, but they are connected by a lack of reflection.

Finding Space in Between
Most of us live between these extremes. What is often missing is a moment to pause and reflect: a chance to consciously decide whether to keep or let go. This is the space where change can begin. We should strive for conscious decisions, ranging from one end of the extreme to the other, instead of floating in between.

How Does This Project Address the Issue?
Past the Purchase is a low-tech tool designed to break that pattern. It creates a pause, a moment between keeping and letting go, where users are invited to reflect. Using simple sticky-note-style prompts, the tool encourages people to look at the objects they own and ask: Why do I still have this? Do I use it? Does it hold meaning? Am I ready to let it go?

How Does it Work?
The tool lives in everyday spaces: on the wall, on a shelf, in a drawer, or near cluttered corners. Users label items with small notes, surfacing emotions and intentions. Over time, this process encourages more intentional ownership and helps people break the cycle of unconscious accumulation and disposal.

Why Does it Matter?
This project is not about minimalism or perfection. It is about emotional sustainability: becoming aware of our habits and attachments so we can consume less and live more consciously. When we reflect first, we make space for better choices, one object at a time.