User-centred design (UCD)
The use of the end user throughout the design process, to ensure the developed product is focussed on their actual needs and not the perceived needs determined by the designer.
Sustainable
Something that has the minimum possible impact upon the environment.
Carbon Footprint
A measure of the impact that human activity has on the environment. It is measured as kilograms or tonnes of Carbon Dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas, meaning that it traps the heat of the sun on the earth and contributes to Global Warming. The more Carbon Dioxide a person generates, the bigger their impact on the environment.
Non-renewable energy (Fossil Fuels)
Coal, gas and oil, extracted from the ground. They are described as finite resources, meaning that once they have been used they cannot be replaced. Nuclear energy is also regarded as non-renewable due to the Uranium that is used. Using fossil fuels, for example for heating or cooling houses, adds to your Carbon Footprint. Power stations that create electricity using these methods also adds to the Carbon Footprint. Land fill rubbish also creates Carbon Dioxide, as well as Methane, another gas that affects the environment. As an example, the following activities all produce 1kg of Carbon Dioxide.
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Flying 2.3 km in a plane. |
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Driving 6.4 km in a car. |
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Travelling 11 km in a bus. |
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Manufacturing two plastic bottles. |
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Producing 100g of beef (because of Methane in a cows stomach) |
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Leaving your computer on all day. |
Renewable energy
Is energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power. These can be thought of as natural sources that never run out. Other forms include hydroelectric (dams, running water), Wood, Biomass (energy from plants) and Geothermal (water turned into steam by the heat in the earth’s crust).
Ecological Footprint
Is the area of earth that an individual needs to produce the resources they need to sustain their lifestyle and to absorb the waste that they produce. Currently it is though that it takes the earth 18 months to regenerate what we use in 12 months! If humans continue to use up resources quicker than nature can replace them we will create what is known as ecological deficit.
Socio-economics
How society and the economy interact to create particular circumstances.
Ethical
Something considered by society to be morally fair.
Fairtrade
A social movement to encourage the ethical treatment of farmers and workers in developing countries
Inclusive design
The concept of designing products that will allow the maximum number of possible users to successfully use the product without discomfort. The British Standards Institute (BSI) definition is: "the design of mainstream products and/ or services that are accessible to, and usable by, as many people as reasonably possible ... without the need for special adaption or specialised design"
Empathetic design
The process of simulating conditions experienced by potential users of products, to assist with the development of successful products.
Green Design
Is a design approach that aims to reduce the impact upon the environment. It focuses on one or two areas: 1) conserving materials by using recycled materials. 2) Conserving energy when a product is being used.
For example, the Dyson contra-rotating washing machine uses a jet of water-system to reduce the amount of water used and the agitation caused by the two tubs turning in opposite directions reduces the time taken to wash clothes, thus saving energy.
Eco Design (sometimes called Life Cycle Design - LCD)
Goes one step further than Green Design by looking at the entire life cycle of a product. This means consideration of the materials being used to manufacture it (including their extraction, transportation, and packaging), reduction of impact during use (electricity, toxic chemicals, by products etc.) and optimisation of end of life materials (how the parts can be easily reused or recycled)
Sustainable Fashion / Eco Fashion
Sustainable fashion can be defined as clothing, shoes and accessories that are manufactured, marketed and used in the most sustainable manner possible, taking into account both environmental and socio-economic aspects.
It is concerned with improving all stages of the product’s life cycle, from design, raw material production, manufacturing, transport, storage, marketing and final sale, to use, reuse, repair, remake and recycling of the product and its components.
From an environmental perspective, the aim should be to minimize any undesirable environmental effect of the product’s life cycle by:
> ensuring efficient and careful use of natural resources (water, energy, land, soil, animals, plants, biodiversity, ecosystems, etc.
> selecting renewable energy sources (wind, solar, etc.) at every stage, and
> maximizing repair, remake, reuse, and recycling of the product and its components.
From a socio-economic perspective, all stakeholders should work to improve present working conditions for workers on the field, in the factories, transportation chain, and stores, by aligning with good ethics, best practice and international codes of conduct. In addition, fashion companies should contribute to encourage more sustainable consumption patterns, caring and washing practices, and overall attitudes to fashion.
(Green Strategy, June 2014)
Sustainable Graphic Design
Sustainable graphic design considers the environmental impacts of graphic design products (such as packaging, printed materials, publications, etc.) throughout a life cycle that includes: raw material; transformation; manufacturing; transportation; use; and disposal.
Sustainable Architecture
Sustainable Architecture is concerned with creating buildings that limit environmental impact and offer a high level of comfort. Designers have to consider how energy efficient a building is and how water use is managed. Designer need to be aware of the resources and materials available to them and aim to construct dwellings that work with their natural surroundings rather than against them.
A well designed sustainable building would:
> Harvest their own water and energy needs on site.
> Be adapted specifically to site climate and evolve as conditions change.
> Operate pollution free and generate no waste that aren't useful for some other process in the building or immediate environment.
> Promote the health and well-being of all inhabitants, as a healthy ecosystem does.
> It should comprise energy efficient integrated systems that maximize efficiency and comfort.
> Improve the health and diversity of the local ecosystem rather than degrade it.
Ergonomics
The scientific study of people and their working conditions.
Aesthetics
The features of a product that make it visually appealing.
Anthropometrics
The use of scientific measurements of the human body in the design and construction of products.
Task Analysis
The study of individual tasks performed by consumers to allow for successful product development.
