C2.1 Design for sustainability

Introduction

Sustainable design is fundamentally concerned with the choices and decisions made during the product development process. It requires designers to carefully consider the environmental, social, and economic impacts of their creations throughout the entire product lifecycle. This approach aims to minimize waste, reduce pollution, and optimize energy consumption while still meeting the needs of users and stakeholders.

Guiding Question

How can design for sustainability ensure we meet our current needs without compromising our future existence?

In the ever-evolving world of product design, sustainability has become a crucial consideration for designers, manufacturers, and consumers alike. As we face increasing environmental challenges, the need for sustainable design practices has never been more pressing. Sustainable design is fundamentally concerned with the choices and decisions made during the product development process, requiring designers to consider the environmental, social, and economic impacts of their creations throughout the entire product lifecycle. This approach aims to minimize waste, reduce pollution, and optimize energy consumption while still meeting the needs of users and stakeholders. For example, in designing a reusable water bottle, a sustainable approach would involve selecting durable materials that are recyclable or compostable and optimizing the manufacturing process to reduce energy consumption.

Edwin Datschefski, a pioneering figure in sustainable design, proposed five principles that provide a comprehensive framework for creating environmentally responsible products. These principles—Cyclic, Solar, Safe, Efficient, and Social—offer a holistic approach to sustainable design applicable across various products. For instance, consider a sustainably designed office chair: it can be made from recycled aluminum and recyclable plastic components (Cyclic), manufactured using solar energy (Solar), utilize non-toxic materials (Safe), minimize material use while maintaining durability (Efficient), and ensure fair labor practices for all workers involved in its production (Social). By adhering to these principles, designers can create products that align with sustainable values.

The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) is another essential framework that expands the traditional focus on financial performance to include social and environmental considerations. The TBL recognizes that a product's success should be measured not just by its profitability but also by its impact on people and the planet. The three components of TBL—People (Social), Planet (Environmental), and Profit (Economic)—require designers to navigate complex relationships between these factors. For example, using more environmentally friendly materials might increase production costs, potentially affecting profitability or pricing. Conversely, improving working conditions can lead to higher productivity and better product quality, positively impacting both social and economic outcomes.

Designers can leverage the TBL framework to prioritize needs and discover design opportunities. By considering all three aspects, they can create products that not only meet client requirements but also benefit communities and the environment. In designing a new line of outdoor furniture, for instance, a designer might ensure ergonomic comfort for users (People), use sustainably sourced or recycled materials (Planet), and develop a competitive pricing strategy that reflects the product's sustainable features while maintaining profitability (Profit). This balance allows for the creation of products that offer value to consumers while minimizing environmental impact.

Korean

끊임없이 진화하는 제품 디자인 세계에서 지속 가능성은 디자이너, 제조업체 및 소비자 모두에게 중요한 고려 사항이 되었습니다. 환경 문제가 증가함에 따라 지속 가능한 디자인 관행의 필요성은 그 어느 때보다 절실해졌습니다. 지속 가능한 디자인은 근본적으로 제품 개발 과정에서 이루어지는 선택과 결정에 관심이 있으며, 디자이너가 제품 수명주기 전체에 걸쳐 창작물의 환경적, 사회적, 경제적 영향을 고려하도록 요구합니다. 이러한 접근 방식은 폐기물을 최소화하고, 오염을 줄이고, 에너지 소비를 최적화하면서도 사용자와 이해 관계자의 요구를 충족시키는 것을 목표로 합니다. 예를 들어, 재사용 가능한 물병을 설계할 때, 지속 가능한 접근 방식은 재활용 가능하거나 퇴비화 가능한 내구성 있는 재료를 선택하고 에너지 소비를 줄이기 위해 제조 공정을 최적화하는 것을 포함합니다.

지속 가능한 디자인의 선구자인 Edwin Datschefski는 환경적으로 책임 있는 제품을 만드는 포괄적인 프레임워크를 제공하는 다섯 가지 원칙을 제안했습니다. 순환적, 태양 에너지, 안전, 효율적, 사회적이라는 이러한 원칙은 다양한 제품에 적용 가능한 홀리스틱한 지속 가능한 디자인 접근 방식을 제공합니다. 예를 들어, 지속 가능하게 설계된 사무용 의자는 재활용 알루미늄과 재활용 가능한 플라스틱 부품으로 만들어질 수 있으며(순환적), 태양 에너지를 사용하여 제조되고(태양 에너지), 무독성 재료를 사용하며(안전), 내구성을 유지하면서 재료 사용을 최소화하고(효율적), 생산에 참여하는 모든 근로자에게 공정한 노동 관행을 보장할 수 있습니다(사회적). 이러한 원칙을 준수함으로써 디자이너는 지속 가능한 가치에 부합하는 제품을 만들 수 있습니다.

트리플 바텀 라인(TBL)은 재무 성과에 대한 기존의 초점을 사회적 및 환경적 고려 사항으로 확장하는 또 다른 필수적인 프레임워크입니다. TBL은 제품의 성공이 수익성뿐만 아니라 사람과 지구에 미치는 영향에 의해서도 측정되어야 한다는 것을 인식합니다. 사람(사회적), 지구(환경적), 이익(경제적)이라는 TBL의 세 가지 구성 요소는 디자이너가 이러한 요소들 간의 복잡한 관계를 탐색하도록 요구합니다. 예를 들어, 보다 환경 친화적인 재료를 사용하면 생산 비용이 증가하여 수익성이나 가격에 영향을 미칠 수 있습니다. 반대로, 근무 환경을 개선하면 생산성 향상과 제품 품질 향상으로 이어져 사회적, 경제적 결과에 모두 긍정적인 영향을 미칠 수 있습니다.

디자이너는 TBL 프레임워크를 활용하여 요구 사항을 우선시하고 디자인 기회를 발견할 수 있습니다. 세 가지 측면을 모두 고려함으로써, 그들은 고객 요구 사항을 충족할 뿐만 아니라 커뮤니티와 환경에도 도움이 되는 제품을 만들 수 있습니다. 예를 들어, 새로운 야외 가구 라인을 설계할 때, 디자이너는 사용자의 인체 공학적 편안함(사람)을 보장하고, 지속 가능하게 조달되거나 재활용된 재료를 사용하며(지구), 제품의 지속 가능성 기능을 반영하면서도 수익성을 유지하는 경쟁력 있는 가격 전략을 개발할 수 있습니다(이익). 이러한 균형은 환경 영향을 최소화하면서 소비자에게 가치를 제공하는 제품을 만들 수 있도록 합니다.

Chinese

在不断发展的产品设计领域，可持续性已成为设计师、制造商和消费者共同关注的重要因素。随着我们面临日益严峻的环境挑战，对可持续设计实践的需求从未如此迫切。可持续设计从根本上关注产品开发过程中做出的选择和决策，要求设计师在整个产品生命周期内考虑其创造物的环境、社会和经济影响。这种方法旨在最大限度地减少浪费、减少污染、优化能源消耗，同时满足用户和利益相关者的需求。例如，在设计可重复使用的水瓶时，可持续的方法将包括选择可回收或可堆肥的耐用材料，并优化制造过程以减少能源消耗。

可持续设计先驱 Edwin Datschefski 提出五项原则，为创造环境负责任的产品提供了一个全面的框架。这些原则——循环、太阳能、安全、高效和社会——为可持续设计提供了一种适用于各种产品的整体方法。例如，考虑一把可持续设计的办公椅：它可以由再生铝和可回收塑料部件制成（循环），使用太阳能制造（太阳能），使用无毒材料（安全），在保持耐用的同时最大限度地减少材料使用（高效），并确保所有参与其生产的工人的公平劳动实践（社会）。通过遵守这些原则，设计师可以创造出符合可持续价值观的产品。

三重底线 (TBL) 是另一个重要的框架，它将传统的财务绩效关注点扩展到包括社会和环境考虑因素。TBL 认识到，产品的成功不仅应通过其盈利能力来衡量，还应通过其对人和地球的影响来衡量。TBL 的三个组成部分——人（社会）、地球（环境）和利润（经济）——要求设计师在这些因素之间导航复杂的关系。例如，使用更环保的材料可能会增加生产成本，从而可能影响盈利能力或定价。相反，改善工作条件可以提高生产率和产品质量，从而对社会和经济结果产生积极影响。

设计师可以利用 TBL 框架来确定优先级并发现设计机会。通过考虑所有三个方面，他们可以创造出不仅满足客户要求而且对社区和环境有益的产品。例如，在设计新的户外家具系列时，设计师可以确保用户的人体工程学舒适性（人），使用可持续采购或回收的材料（地球），并制定反映产品可持续性特征同时保持盈利能力的竞争性定价策略（利润）。这种平衡使得能够创造出为消费者提供价值同时最大限度地减少环境影响的产品。

C2.1.1: Design for sustainability is concerned with the choices and decisions when developing designs (product) and design methods.

Guidance: You should be able to discuss strategies to achieve sustainability and the importance of decision-making when addressing issues related to sustainable design including waste, pollution and energy consumption.

Sustainable design is a holistic approach to product development that focuses on making responsible choices and decisions throughout the entire design process. It aims to create products that minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote social well-being while still meeting functional and economic requirements.

At its core, sustainable design is about carefully considering the consequences of each decision made during product development. Designers must weigh factors such as material selection, manufacturing processes, product lifespan, and end-of-life disposal to create truly sustainable solutions. This approach requires a shift in mindset from traditional design practices, which often prioritize aesthetics and short-term profitability over long-term environmental and social impacts.

Waste Reduction

One key strategy in sustainable design is addressing waste reduction. For example, the outdoor gear company Patagonia has implemented a "Worn Wear" program, which encourages customers to repair and reuse their products rather than replacing them. This initiative not only reduces waste but also extends the lifespan of their products, demonstrating how design decisions can influence consumer behavior and promote sustainability.

Check out this case study about Patagonia's waste reduction strategies

Minimizing waste

Another critical aspect of sustainable design is minimizing pollution throughout a product's lifecycle. The furniture company Herman Miller has tackled this issue by redesigning their iconic Aeron chair to be 91% recyclable and made of 53% recycled content. By carefully selecting materials and engineering the chair for easy disassembly, they've created a product that significantly reduces pollution associated with manufacturing and disposal.

Energy consumption

Energy consumption is also a major concern in sustainable design. The household appliance manufacturer Dyson has addressed this by developing energy-efficient motors for their products. Their Dyson Airblade hand dryer, for instance, uses up to 80% less energy than conventional hand dryers while still delivering superior performance. This example shows how innovative engineering can lead to products that are both environmentally friendly and functionally superior.

Sustainable sourcing of materials

Designers must also consider the broader implications of their choices on global sustainability issues. For instance, the decision to use sustainably sourced materials can have far-reaching effects on deforestation and biodiversity. The furniture company IKEA has committed to using only wood from more sustainable sources by 2020, demonstrating how large-scale design decisions can positively impact global environmental challenges.

C2.1.2: Edwin Datschefski´s five principles of sustainable design are that a product must be cyclic (create no waste), solar (use clean energy), safe (cause no harm), efficient (use the least amount of energy and materials as possible), and social (support basic human rights).

Guidance: You should be able to analyse sustainable products to demonstrate how they meet Datschefski´s principles.

Cyclic: Products should be designed to create no waste, either by being fully recyclable or compostable.
Solar: Clean, renewable energy sources should be used in both the manufacturing process and product use.
Safe: Products should cause no harm to people or the environment during production, use, or disposal.
Efficient: The least amount of energy and materials should be used in both manufacturing and product use.
Social: The product's creation should support basic human rights and fair labor practices.

Examples of the principles in practice

Office chair

Cyclic: The chair is made from recycled aluminum and recyclable plastic components, ensuring it can be fully recycled at the end of its life.
Solar: The manufacturing facility uses solar panels to power its operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Safe: All materials used are non-toxic, and the manufacturing process involves no harmful chemical releases.
Efficient: The chair's design minimizes material use while maintaining durability, and its lightweight construction reduces shipping energy requirements.
Social: The company ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for all employees involved in the chair's production.

Children's building block set

Cyclic: The blocks are made from recycled wood chips and sawdust from sustainable forests, bound with a plant-based resin. The packaging is made from recycled cardboard and is fully recyclable.
Solar: The manufacturing facility uses solar panels and wind turbines to power its operations. The company also offers a solar-powered light-up base for the blocks as an optional accessory.
Safe: All paints and finishes used are non-toxic and food-grade. The manufacturing process uses water-based adhesives and low-VOC paints.
Efficient: The blocks are designed to nest together efficiently, reducing packaging and shipping volume. The modular design allows for easy replacement of individual pieces if damaged.
Social: The company partners with schools in underprivileged areas to donate sets and run STEM education programs. They also ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for all employees in their supply chain.

Camping tent

Cyclic: The tent is made from recycled PET fabric and biodegradable bioplastics for structural components. All materials are designed for easy separation and recycling at end-of-life.
Solar: The tent incorporates flexible solar panels on its rainfly, providing power for LED lighting and device charging. The manufacturing facility runs on 100% renewable energy, including solar and wind power.
Safe: All fabrics are treated with non-toxic, PFC-free water repellents. The manufacturing process uses water-based inks and adhesives, eliminating harmful VOC emissions.
Efficient: The tent's innovative design reduces material use by 30% compared to traditional models while maintaining strength and durability. Its ultralight construction also reduces transportation emissions.
Social: The company partners with fair labor certified factories and invests in outdoor education programs for underprivileged youth in the communities where it operates.

Desk lamp

Cyclic: The lamp is constructed from biodegradable mycelium (mushroom) composite for the base, recycled aluminum for the arm, and reclaimed wood for accents. All components are designed for easy separation and recycling.
Solar: The lamp is powered by a small built-in solar panel and battery, allowing it to operate off-grid. The manufacturing facility uses 100% renewable energy, including solar and wind power.
Safe: The LED bulbs are mercury-free and long-lasting. The manufacturing process uses non-toxic, water-based finishes and adhesives.
Efficient: The lamp uses high-efficiency LEDs and incorporates motion sensors and ambient light detection to minimize energy use. Its lightweight design reduces transportation emissions.
Social: The company employs local artisans for final assembly and finishing, supporting traditional craftsmanship. They also donate a percentage of profits to programs promoting sustainable design education.

C2.1.3: The triple bottom line (TBL) measures levels of success of a product in relation to social (People), economic (Profit) and environmental (Planet), which are key responsibilities of a designer.

Guidance: You should be able to explain Triple Bottom Line and the relationship (conflict and compromise) between the Three Ps.

The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) is a framework that expands the traditional focus on financial performance to include social and environmental considerations. This approach recognizes that a product's success should be measured not just by its profitability, but also by its impact on people and the planet.

The three components of the TBL are:

People (Social): Considers the impact on human well-being, including fair labor practices, community engagement, and product safety.
Planet (Environmental): Addresses the product's ecological footprint, including resource use, pollution, and waste generation.
Profit (Economic): Evaluates the financial performance and long-term economic viability of the product.

The TBL framework can be a powerful tool for designers to prioritize needs and discover design opportunities. By considering all three aspects, designers can create products that not only meet client requirements but also benefit communities and the environment.

C2.1.4: Designers make decisions by considering the balance between the 3Ps of TBL

Designers must navigate the complex relationships between these three factors, often encountering conflicts and the need for compromise. For example, using more environmentally friendly materials might increase production costs, potentially affecting profitability or pricing. Conversely, improving working conditions might lead to higher productivity and better product quality, positively impacting both social and economic outcomes.

In the examples below, you can see how designers might navigate these conflicts.

Guidance: You should be able to explain how TBL can help designers prioritise the needs of clients, communities, and the environment to discover design opportunities.

Sustainable Packaging Design:

People: Resealable packaging for extended freshness

Planet: Compostable packaging made from plant-based materials

Profit: Minimalist packaging design that reduces material costs

Conflicts and Compromise

Designers may face conflicts between using more environmentally friendly materials (Planet) that are costlier (Profit) and potentially less convenient for consumers (People). For example, choosing between plastic packaging that's cheap and functional versus biodegradable alternatives that may be more expensive and less durable.

Designers could explore innovative materials like mycelium (mushroom-based) packaging that is both compostable and cost-effective. They could also design packaging that's resealable and compostable, addressing all three pillars simultaneously. For instance, a compostable zipper pouch made from plant-based materials could offer extended freshness, environmental benefits, and cost savings through material reduction
Check out Ecovative, a pioneer in the use of mycelium as a packaging material.

Fast Fashion vs. Sustainable Apparel

People: Modular clothing designs that can be customized and worn multiple ways

Planet: Garments made from recycled ocean plastics

Profit: Subscription-based clothing rental service

source:

Conflicts and Compromise

Designers in the clothing industry often struggle with balancing affordable, trendy designs (Profit and some aspects of People) against more sustainable, ethically produced garments (Planet and other aspects of People). This can involve choices in materials, manufacturing processes, and labor practices.

Designers could focus on creating versatile, high-quality garments from recycled materials that can be styled in multiple ways. This approach satisfies the desire for variety (People), uses sustainable materials (Planet), and justifies a higher price point for longer-lasting items (Profit). They could also implement a take-back program where customers can return worn items for recycling, incentivizing repeat purchases.
Check out the example of MUD Jeans to learn about a company doing just this

Sustainable furniture

People: Ergonomic furntiture with adjustable features, and customizable fabrics

Planet: Modular furniture made from recycled materials and designed for easy disassembly

Profit: Flat-pack furniture design for efficient shipping and lower costs

source:

Conflicts and Compromise

Choosing between durable, high-quality materials that last longer (Planet) versus more affordable options that make the product accessible to a wider market (People and Profit) can create conflicts. Additionally, designers must consider end-of-life recyclability and the environmental impact of manufacturing processes.

Designers could create furniture using innovative, eco-friendly materials that are both durable and affordable. For example, they might develop a composite material from recycled plastics and sustainable wood that's strong, lightweight, and cost-effective. The furniture could be designed for easy disassembly and repair, with replaceable parts available for purchase, creating an additional revenue stream.
Check out the example of OpenDesk and how they use local manufacture, CAD/CAM technologies, and sustainably-sourced wood

Electronic Product Design

People: Smartphone with easily replaceable battery and screen

Planet: Smartphone made from recycled materials with a take-back program

Profit: Modular smartphone design allowing for component upgrades

Conflicts and Compromise

Creating long-lasting, repairable devices (Planet) may conflict with the desire for sleek, thin designs that consumers prefer (People) and the business model of frequent upgrades (Profit). Designers must balance durability, repairability, and recyclability against aesthetics and market demands.

Designers could develop a sleek, modular smartphone design where components are easily upgradeable and replaceable. This approach satisfies consumer desire for aesthetics (People), promotes longevity and repairability (Planet), and creates a new revenue stream through component upgrades (Profit). The design could include a durable outer shell with easily accessible internal modules.
Check out the example of Fairphone and how they have applied circular design and TBL principles to the design of their phone

Linking Questions

What are the advantages of using virtual prototyping techniques over physical prototyping techniques when developing sustainable products? (A2.2)
Does material classification suggest the sustainability of a material? (A3.1)
To what extent does a user-centred design (UCD) strategy promote the development of a sustainable product? (B1.1)
How important is material selection when creating products that are designed to be sustainable?
(B3.1)
What complications do electronic systems introduce to the sustainability of a product? (B3.4)
Why are certain production systems considered less sustainable than others? (B4.1)
To what extent is design for sustainability the responsibility of the designer? (C1.1)
How does a product developed using a design for sustainability strategy tend to perform under a life-cycle analysis? (C3.2)

Linking questions are questions that help you connect different parts of your design technology studies. They can show how ideas and skills are related to each other.

Why are linking questions important?

Linking questions can help you:

Understand the big picture: See how different parts of design technology fit together.
Learn more: Connect new information to what you already know.
Show your knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of design technology in a deeper way.

How can you use linking questions?

Connect subtopics: Find relationships between different parts of the course
Use your skills: Show how you can apply design technology skills in different areas.
Think about the nature of design technology: Consider the big ideas and principles that guide design technology.
Apply to the real world: See how design technology can be used in real-life situations.

References and Resources

Architecture For Humanity. Design like You Give a Damn: Building Change from the Ground Up. New York ; London, Abrams, 2012.
Baumeister, Dayna. Biomimicry Resource Handbook : A Seed Bank of Best Practices. Missoula, Mont., Biomimicry 3.8, 2014.
Benyus, Janine M. Biomimicry : Innovation Inspired by Nature. 1997. New York, Ny, Perennial, 2002.
Conny Bakker, and Et Al. Products That Last : Product Design for Circular Business Models. London ; London, Bis Publishers, 2019.
Edwards, Antonia. Upcyclist : Reclaimed and Remade Furniture, Lighting and Interiors. Munich, Prestel, 2015.
Francisco. Design like You Give a Damn : Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises. London, Thames And Hudson, 2011.
Myers, William. Bio Design : Nature, Science, Creativity. New York, The Museum Of Modern Art, 2012.
Siem Haffmans, et al. Products That Flow : Circulaire Verdienmodellen En Ontwerpstrategieën Voor Verbruiksproducten. Amsterdam, Bis Publishers, 2020.
Solanki, Seetal. Why Materials Matter : Responsible Design for a Better World. Munich, Prestel, 2018.
Yvon Chouinard. Let My People Go Surfing : The Education of a Reluctant Businessman : Including 10 More Years of Business Unusual. 2005. New York, New York, Penguin Books, 2016.

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