Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
A Morphological Design Approach to User-EfficientDesign
Elias, Edward W. A.; Orme, Martyn; Dekoninck, Elies A.; Culley, Steve J.
Type:
Year:
2009
Editor:
Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author:
Series:
ICED
Section:
Design Processes
Page(s):
471-482
Abstract:
The behaviour of users can have a negative impact on the energy efficiency of products. By using products unnecessarily or inefficiently even a product which has been designed and built with highly efficient technology or materials will still waste energy. This paper follows the work of the authors to develop a user-efficient design methodology which will allow designers and engineers to create products that will reduce or prevent this "inefficiency" of users. The results from a design exercise to create a user-efficient design for a refrigerator are examined, together with the observed behaviours from a user trial. The conclusions from the study have led to the proposed morphological design approach that tackles the energy losses related to use but also addresses the underlying needs of the user.
Keywords:
