Simpy put, eco-design is the process where a product or piece of work is designed with the environment and conservation issues in mind. More specifically, the outcomes of producing and using this product should at least not have detrimental implications on the environment, if not improve the situation. As “sustainability” is defined in the World Commission on Environment and Development, it is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Russ, 2010). Designers are increasingly agreeing to this stand, and the idea of sustainability have been reflected in their works as well.
Eco-design should consider the impact that a work or product can have on the environment throughout all stages of its life cycle. This includes the production process (whether environmentally-friendly processes are used or not), the usage process (whether use of the product will result in consequences detrimental to the environment or otherwise) and disposable process (whether the product can go through the 3R process or add on to the heap of non-biodegradable waste).
Unfortunately, the selling point of a product is often based more on the design rather than how eco-friendly it is. People won’t just purchase an item because it is eco-friendly. However, the important point is how designers could make use of their position in the consumer market to affect the production of commericla goods, as well as influence consumers’ and audiences’ attitudes and behavior to be more eco-centric.
Eco-design can be quite a difficult concept to execute, as it requires more prudence in thinking about how the designed work will affect the environment, as well as more creativity in thinking of eco-friendly ways to design a product. However, more are more designers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to take a more eco-friendly approach. Some designers even go as far as to suggest that there should not be a distinction between “eco-design” and “normal design”. Marco Martins thinks that “Ultimately… every design will need to be sustainable by default” (Ng, 2010).
Ultimately, design aims to influence are create an impression onto the consumer or audience. Design is not only an art form, but also carries a message across. That said, design may also have the power to influence people’s attitudes and behaviors towards a more environmentally-friendly cause. This blogsite primarily focuses on how this can be done.