Understanding requirements for a holistic tool for Ecodesign-first steps

Engineering Design

Abstract

Today, technological developments increase very fast and plenty of hi-tech products are seen in the global market. With the influence of consumerism, these products are sold frequently and their life cycles become shorter. Hence, they have already begun to accumulate at the garbage dumps. Many of these products, such as electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) have a significant negative impact on the environment and human health and cause resource depletion. Ecodesign is used as a set of proactive strategies that aims to reduce the total environmental impact of a product at the design stage and leads to sustainability. There are many methods and tools for ecodesign. Although they are widespread, they can not cover all design phases and there are still shortcomings in the tools for engineering designers as to accomplish ecodesign. To understand the requirements of designers in order to succeed in the ecodesign process, design experts from academia and experts from EEE producing companies have been surveyed. The results of the surveys can help to set up general requirements for the development of a holistic ecodesign tool.