Responsible Design

Sustainable Design

Eco-design: An approach to design that minimises environmental impact through energy efficiency, use of renewable resources and reduction of waste.
Renewable Materials: The use of sustainably sourced, renewable materials, such as bamboo and hemp, can reduce environmental damage.
Life-cycle Assessment (LCA): Analysing the environmental impact of a product from raw material acquisition through manufacture, use, and disposal.
Recyclability: Products should be designed such that they’re easy to disassemble and recycle, improving sustainability and reducing waste output.

Universal Design Principles: Designing products or services to be usable by all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
Ergonomics: The study of how people interact with products and systems to ensure they are safe, effective and comfortable for the widest range of users.
Adaptable Design: Designing products that can adapt to meet the varying needs of different users, for example, adjustable furniture.

Global Sourcing: Conscious decision-making about where materials are sourced from, considering environmental sustainability and human rights issues.
Fair Trade: Designing products that are made under fair conditions, ensuring workers are paid fairly and work in safe environments.
User Privacy: With the rise of connected products, it is a designer’s responsibility to ensure a product’s data collection and sharing protocols secure the user’s privacy.
Obsolescence Strategy: Designers should consider the lifespan of their products. Strategies to increase lifespan, like design for repair, can minimise environmental impact and resource consumption.