Industrial Design considers Sustainability and Design

Accessibility

Ensuring interfaces and tech can be used by
people who live with disabilities.

Universal Design

Designing a single product that can be accessed to the greatest extent possible by all people. (one design solution for all users)

Inclusive Design

Designing products that enable people of all backgrounds and abilities. Addresses accessibility, age, culture, economic situation, education, gender, geographic location, language, and race.

Inclusive conference table by Gensler

Accessible table leg and top clearances. Easy-access, illuminated power ports. Everyone has an equal seat at the table for wheelchair users.

Adaptive accessories by Microsoft

System of configurable computer inputs for amputees or limb malfunctions. 3D-printing allows for tailor-made fits. Minimize discomfort, and increase productivity. Empowers people in their work.

Firefly phototherapy for rural hospitals

Treats newborns for jaundice. Designed and optimized for a single patient. LED’s above and below are energy efficient. Easy to move, clean and operate. No internal moving parts...durable long life.

ClickCheck vision screening

2.5 billion people lack eye care. Cost-effective diagnosis of eyesight.
Intuitive and fun to use. Low-tech, high touch. For people in developing countries.

Why is industrial design often a big part of the problem?

Growing our insatiable demand for more things is not sustainable.

What is the triple bottom line

Incorporates social equity, environmental responsibility, and financial performance (economic viability) towards a “long view” approach to business growth.

What are the problems associated with traditional product development?

Approached in a linear fashion (Phase 1, 2, 3, 4), and with a products life being limited to it’s “use life” (often very small)

What is Closed Loop Life Cycle Thinking

End-to-end systemic approach. Produces less waste, pollution, and end-game problems over time.

“Cradle to Cradle” Thinking

Align technical and biological cycles by starting with bio-gradable materials. Nothing is wasted. Design everything (materials + energy) to be reused within the system.

Designing for people’s lives makes for ____________

a sustainable business

Who was DJ De Pree?

The owner of a small furniture manufacturer through the great depression. Convinced by Gilbert Rohde to rethink furnishings.
Impacted by attending an employee’s funeral. Began to see every person as his peer. (listen and learn from everyone)

What did the Platform Bench by George Nelson, the Molded Plywood Chair by Charles and Ray Eames, and the Marshmallow Sofa by George Nelson do?

Define the category of furniture that is less, but does more

What did the Molded Fiberglass Chair by Charles and Ray Eames, and the Molded Plywood Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames do?

Defined the category of Furniture that employs new materials
in creative ways.

The modular office system…

is a way for facilitating growth that has grown throughout the years to fit the person using it

Good design is fitting for __________

the way that people live and work

What did Bill Stumph do?

Investigated human physiology and ergonomics within the office context. Researched body types, postures, and weight distribution over time and tasks, created Aeron task chair

Good Design is designing for human _______

fulfillment and sustainable production

GreenHouse factory and offices Holland, Michigan, 1995.

Designed to be big and with skylights that would light the building. Storm-water management and air-filtering systems.
Designed to align with people and natural systems.
Helped set the standards for U.S. Building Council
LEED Certification

What is the difference between the Aeron Task Chair and the Mirra task chair?

The Aeron task chair focused on ergonomics, the Mirra task chair was made from recycled material, disassembles and won the cradle to cradle silver award