"Design is concerned with the development of products, tools, machines, artefacts and other devices, and this activity has a profound and direct influence on ecology. The design response must be positive and unifying. Design must be the bridge between human needs, culture and ecology."

Introduction

The creation and production of products can be examined in at least 6 cycles:

1. The choice of materials2. The manufacturing process3. Packaging the product4. The finished product5. Transporting the materials6. Waste

Production and Pollution

Product life cycle assessment can be employed to evaluate ‘ecologically dangeorous phases’ of products.

1. Acquisition of raw materials2. Manufacturing process and assembly3. Purchase of the complete product4. The use5. Collection of the product after use6. Re-use or recycling

Product Assessment

When the goods are nearly identical to each other, ‘the package is the product’.

Luxury goods and less luxury goods packages can be destructive to the environment.

However, there are organic ways to package the products.

Packaging and Shrouding

Source: Papanek, 1995

Packaging and Shrouding

Using paper in packaging can cause adverse effects on the environment.

PVC is also a very dangerous material for the environment.Packaging and Shrouding

Plastics that are produced mostly consist of fossil fuels.

There is the problematic issue of ‘how we use them’ and ‘how we throw them away’.

Biodegradable plastics is an alternative way.

Problems with Plastics

Problems with Plastics

Source: Papanek, 1995

He suggests alternative ways for benignly producing and operating our products.Green Design

He emphasizes the beneficial connection between economics and ecology.

He suggests that designers should be more familiar to ‘social responsibility term’.

Profit and Politics

Papanek suggests product oriented solutions to his throughly analyzed problems, but may we think about service oriented more nonphysical solutions too?

He suggests that ‘use less’ should be a new motto. Could we, therefore, suggest that ‘produce less’ relevant too?

If we can lend the means of production to domestic environment, how should we create awareness of the results of the actions of users to prevent even more waste? What is the role of designer in this context?

Discussion

References

Papanek, V. (1995) Designing for a Safer Future. The Green Imperative: Ecology and Ethics in Design and Architecture. (p. 29 - 48). Thames and Hudson: New York

Thank you for your time.