trends and future of sustainable development - TransEco

DESIGN THINKING MATRIXCORESTRENGTHScreative user-centred viablePROCESS- synthesizescomplex problemsolving(visualization)- engagesstakeholders (codesign)- systemicSOLUTION- innovative(sometimesunexpected)- desirable- inclusive- fit for purpose- sustainableFigure 2. Design Thinking Matrix. (Source: Whicher et al. 2010, 6)The term ‘user-centred’ as seen in the matrix above is important and also needs defining. Thisindicates the change in design process from being product-, technology-, or sales driven to being humanneeds driven: from imagining users’ behaviour and desires to actually designing with them. 1We will discuss design thinking, co-design and co-creation further in the Design Value section. Theconcepts are relevant to our study in terms of the involvement of more actors and stakeholders in thedesign process and the opportunities and threats this presents to the identity of the professionaldesigner and how she may thereby define her own jurisdiction. Approaching these concepts through thelens of the FSSD also reveals the differences between product/material-oriented and product-servicesystem-oriented designers.On Design for SustainabilityThe field of ‘eco-design’ began to develop several decades ago in response to the acknowledgement ofdesign and production’s environmental impact. Eco-design, or Design for the Environment, refers to“strategies that aim to integrate environmental considerations into product and development” (Charter& Tischner 2001, 121). Specific eco-design tools and methods aid designers in considering the product’sentire life cycle, from material choices to clean manufacturing to disposal. Sustainable product designtakes socio-ethical sustainability also into consideration (Charter & Tischner 2001, 121), while Design forSustainability (DfS) strives to analyse whole systems of production and consumption and is therefore no1For a clarification on the history and definitions of user-centred design, participatory design, co-design and cocreation,please see Sanders & Stappers 2008. To simplify this discourse, we will use the term ‘user-centred design’(and ‘human-centred design’) referring to a process that includes participatory, co-creative activities with end-usersin order to better identify and meet their needs, where, therefore, a product is not the starting point.517