GREEN design languageHow does a product look and feel like when it is designed with the consideration toward sustainability and our impacts on the environment?

In this series of two presentations, the meaning of GREEN is investigated through the lens of design trends and its physical manifestations in today’s products.

GREEN design language by Wakako Takagi

part 1:1. PURE2. EXPOSED3. AWARE

part 2:4. MINIMIZE5. FLAT6. L(U)ST/L(A)ST

DESIGN TRENDS6

Why it matters:Eliminating, combining and streamlining parts can significantly reduce environmental impacts throughout the lifecycle of the products.

Design Principles: ✻ Think the “needs” of users and reconsider how a products can address those needs by using more sustainable materials, innovative fabrication process, etc.

✻ Reconsider the purpose of each part and ask yourself if some of them can be combined or eliminated in order to reduce materials and weight to make the distribution process more efficient.

✻ When all the fuss is eliminated, a product can present a singular and more memorable statement as an object ,

Fan by Jason PiEliminates an outer cage by designing soft blade that are safe to touch while it is in use.

MINIMIZE: Less is More

Why it matters:Sometimes what makes products more “unsustainable” are the user behaviors. By streamlining what’s considered to be a “normal” usage process, products can propose more sustainable value proposition for both users and the brand.

Design Principles: ✻ Map out the common user process and brainstorm around combining or eliminating steps while keeping the integrity of the product.

✻ Investigate if certain usage behaviors are rituals versus routines. The goal is to celebrate rituals while re-evaluating excessive routines.

Printer by Christine PurcellThe biggest environmental impact of home printer is the paper. The printer along with the software experience makes “act of printing” more eco friendly.

MINIMIZE: Streamline

Why it matters:The Japanese origami inspired construction create rigidity and volume without using filler materials.

Design Principles: ✻ Deconstruct the form into 2D origami patterns.

✻ Think of “folding” as a way of creating three-dimensional volume.

FLAT: Origami

Project title: unknownFolded lamp shade creates a sculptural shape

Why it matters:Having a product made two-dimensionally and packaged as a flat-pack can result with several sustainable benefits such as maximum material usage, efficient distribution process and minimum shelf space required in the retail space.

Design Principles: ✻ Consider how the pattern can be laid out on the materials. Aim for the least possible footprint/waste and the most effective path to trim the materials.

✻ Be thoughtful of a user experience. Make it easy for users to assemble/disassemble various parts.

Stretch bag designed by artecnicaThe minimal 2-D design stretches into 3-D to form the biggest bag with the smallest amount of waste.

FLAT: Made in 2D

L(U)ST/L(A)ST: AppropriateWhy it matters:Not everything needs to be built as if they are going to stay with us forever. Some products/parts come with expected life span and materials used for those products/parts should respond to the expectation.

Design Principles: ✻ Investigate how long each part/function of the product is used and make an appropriate material choice.

✻ Make it obvious. If the material is meant to only last for a specific duration, it should look and feel that way.

Recompute designed by Brenden MacalusoPC made of cardboard makes it easy to replace components and recycle parts.

Pick up Wood designed by Alain BerteauHanger with a simple. metal hook that can be screwed into the found wood.

Why it matters:In recent years more people are fixing their stuff instead of throwing them away only to purchase new ones, making the repair business flourish. Design should respond to the desire creating products that are fixable and repairable.

Design Principles: ✻ Make it visually accessible to disassemble for easy repair.

✻ Mechanically fastened parts instead of using adhesives (which make it difficult to disassemble the parts).

L(U)ST/L(A)ST: Repairable

Why it matters:It’s no longer good enough for products to be physically durable. They need to be designed so that they create emotional connection with the users.

Design Principles: ✻ Think of the romance between users and the object.

✻ Use materials that speak unique stories.

✻ Design it in such a way so that people can create their own story using the product.

L(U)ST/L(A)ST: Emotionally

Durable

KillSpencer A collection of bags that is made of “used in combat” military truck tarps with combat wear and tear.