Investigating the Use of Eco-Design Guides: Presentation of two Case Studies

DS 58-5: Proceedings of ICED 09, the 17th International Conference on Engineering Design, Vol. 5, Design Methods and Tools (pt. 1), Palo Alto, CA, USA, 24.-27.08.2009

Year: 2009
Editor: Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Vallet, Flore; Millet, Dominique; Eynard, Benoît
Series: ICED
Section: Design Methods and Tools
Page(s): 441-452

Abstract

This paper first describes barriers and success factors to implement eco-design in industry. The designing phase is critical for the integration of environmental issues. Methods and tools for designers are examined and complementarity between quantitative assessment tools and qualitative tools is underlined. Two qualitative eco-design guides created in collaboration with industrial designers, Information/Inspiration and the new French framework Ecofaire are presented. Results of two academic tests based on both tools in comparison with novice and expert designers are exposed. This finally leads to a new point of view on eco-design tools where dynamic environment learning for different actors of companies should be taken into account..

Keywords: eco-design, qualitative approach, eco-design guide, industrial design, learning

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