Ecodesign tools for designers: defining the requirements

Abstract

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.

What’s in it for the Provider? : A Lifecycle-Focused Approach towards Designing for Value in Product-Service Systems

“…Table 4 shows the results of the questionnaire. (Birch et al, 2012;Tukker, 2015;Vasantha et al, 2012) Ability to handle low-quality data (Lo house, 2006) Adaptability Fit of methods with established processes (Knight and Jenkins, 2009) Degree of adaptability and customization conveyed (Geis et al, 2008;Le Pochat et al, 2007) Table 4 -Results of evaluation of in uential method properties with respect to implementation, (Matschewsky et al, 2015a) Resulting from this assessment, the relevance of di erent aspects identi ed in non-PSS-focused literature is substantiated with respect to PSS design and its inherent challenges. Based on this understanding of existing challenges, a framework of guidelines was developed to assist with the design of generally applicable methods which are apt to support and facilitate a higher and higher quality adoption of the PSS business model -in hopes of incurring the intended bene ts for all stakeholders involved.…”

Identifying and Prioritizing Ecodesign Key Factors for the Automotive Industry

“…Several authors note that industry designers often find the tools difficult to use (Lofthouse, 2006;Pochat et al, 2007;Luttropp & Lagerstedt, 2006;Byggeth & Hochschorner, 2006;Byggeth et al, 2007). According to Lofthouse (2006), tools often fail to be adopted "because they do not focus on design, but instead are aimed at strategic management or retrospective analysis of existing products." The author notes that what designers actually need is "specific information on areas such as materials and construction techniques to help them become more easily involved in ecodesign projects."…”

“…Pochat et al (2007) see the ecodesign checklist as a qualitative tool that is useful primarily for identifying key environmental issues associated with the life cycle of products. According to Lofthouse (2006), many designers view ecodesign checklists as too general to be useful. In addition, the checklists often are perceived as including too many requirements.…”

Ecodesign Practices in a Furniture Industrial Cluster of Southern Brazil: From Incipient Practices to Improvement

“…Other gaps relate to lack of capacity building of workers; excessive complexity in product and process development (Lindahl, 2006;Pochat et al, 2007;Bovea and Pérez-Belis, 2012); lack of standardisation for the assessment of designed products (Bahmed et al, 2005); lack of integration between eco-design and product development; disassociation related to management and manufacturing strategies (Baumann et al, 2002;Johansson, 2006;Luttropp and Lagerstedt, 2006;Pochat et al, 2007); difficulties for defining and prioritising practices to be employed (Boks and Stevels, 2007); inappropriate language for the development of products that meet environmental requirements (Lofthouse, 2006); obstacles for cooperation, communication and access to information (Poulikidou et al, 2014;Bey et al, 2013).…”