This paper presents the findings from a research project which set out to understand the type of requirements that industrial designers have of ecodesign tools, through the use of a web based prototype. Through qualitative data collection and analysis a number of important criteria for ecodesign tools were identified. The conclusions recognise the importance of developing holistic tools for industrial designers, identifying that a combination of guidance, education and information, along with well considered content, appropriate presentation and easy access, are all critical to their success. A framework for ecodesign tools for industrial designers is presented along with the evolution of 'Information/Inspiration' into a fully working web-based tool.
A collaborative UK government-funded research project drawing on the design and sustainability expertise of the Department of Design and Technology at Loughborough University and the sustainability and product bank functions at The Boots Company set out to investigate the potential that refi llable packaging systems can offer the consumer and the environment. In the past, refi lls have generally been categorized under one general heading and often branded as a failure. However, early in the project, the team identifi ed that by taking a creative approach to interpreting refi lls, there are actually a wide range of different types of refi lls that can be differentiated with respect to their delivery approach and level of consumer/business interaction. Once these had been identifi ed, collated and categorized, the team set out to investigate the consumer perceptions, and the business barriers and drivers found to infl uence the adoption and success of a number of different types of refi llable packaging. This paper reports on those fi ndings. It concludes that differentiating between refi ll types holds the key to developing more suitable and more successful refi llable packaging systems as positive and negative attributes can be more accurately identifi ed and responded to.
This paper aims to broaden the circular economy discussion by emphasizing the role of people. The paper combines core circular economy literature and user-centred design seed literature with illustrative case studies, to consider the positioning of design within a circular economy. The article observes that design is considered predominantly in positivist terms within a field dominated by management, engineering, ecological and environmental science literature. Conceptualizing the designer's THE UK
• This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: LOFT- A broad range of qualitative methods were used to create a background framework, develop design concepts and test the viability of the design solutions. Two concepts were turned into high fidelity prototypes and tested in multi-activity user focus groups. The prototypes were evaluated from an environmental perspective using the Eco Indicator 99.Discussion is focused around general findings regarding refillable packing and also on specific findings related to 'concentrates mixed in the parent pack'. The findings from this study have increased understanding about the potential implications of refillable packaging and how it might be successfully utilised by business. A range of guidelines for the design of refills have been identified. Further a more detailed understanding of consumer perceptions, business challenges/opportunities and environmental savings associated with 'concentrated refills that are mixed in the parent pack', has been identified.It has been seen that to be successful refills must offer good quality; be very easy to use and appropriately delivered; be clearly communicated; be offered through a brand consumers like; and represent good value, whilst radically reducing the amount of packaging manufactured and distributed. Incorporating carefully considered consumer and environmental needs into the brief is critical to the successful development of refillable packaging.
Citation: LILLEY, D. and LOFTHOUSE, V., 2009 It goes on to outline the project methodology used to develop a web-based resource to centralise and disseminate teaching material on the subject of Design for Behavioural Change for a design and engineering audience. Selected findings from a literature review are introduced and the results of a pilot study (through which the authors explored how this subject could be taught to industrial/product design students) are discussed. The paper explains how the resource was developed and presents the results of an evaluative user questionnaire. It concludes with an outline of improvements made in response to feedback received and a discussion of further developments planned.
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