Abstract
This paper challenges the traditional concept of 'the product' in our contemporary addictive consumer society
and embarks on an interdisciplinary journey to design a way to break free from what we argue is the
unsustainable now.
This may be achieved by taking the product's perspective and placing it in a wider sustainable context where
deeper aspects of value, meaning and use can be explored. By utilising ecological system dynamics including;
adaptability, interconnectedness, rhythm and flexibility we seek to move beyond mechanistic design approaches
and embrace a deeper and more ecological view of sustainable design.
We provide initial research findings from an experimental sustainable product design project in which these
concepts are embedded and explored and we conclude by speculating on forward strategies aimed at furthering
change and action for designers and educators moving towards a truly sustainable society.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 36-45 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Designjournalen |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2003 |
Keywords
- sustainable design
- living products
- product design