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.
The Product Development Process Roadblock that is Restricting the Widespread Adoption of Design for Sustainability
Lee-Mortimer, Andrew; Short, Tim
Type:
Year:
2009
Editor:
Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author:
Series:
ICED
Section:
Design Organization and Management
Page(s):
331-342
Abstract:
There is now growing pressure on manufacturers from all sectors, and of all sizes, to adopt Design for Sustainability (DfS). The aim of DfS is ensure that both the environmental impact, and any wider social concerns, of new a product or service are considered from a life cycle perspective, and appropriate decisions taken early in the design and development process. The past decade has also seen considerable research into developing effective tools, techniques and practices aimed at enabling DfS (including ecodesign) to be conducted more effectively, in all sizes of business. However, despite the increasing pressure on companies, and the research, there has been a distinct lack of progress to date in establishing environmental and social consideration as a part of mainstream product design in the majority of companies. This paper reviews some of the documented obstacles, but then proposes an alternative root cause for this lack of DfS integration. It then outlines an ongoing study of manufacturers, within the North West UK, which is being undertaken to examine this alternative, and includes the preliminary findings from the first part of this study.
Keywords:
