Application of indeate design tool for designing sustainable products—case study of a natural water cooler

Abstract

InDeaTe is a design tool developed to support designers to innovate using a methodical process. It has a process template and a linked database of methods. This paper discusses the application of InDeaTe tool for redesigning a natural water cooler developed by a grassroots innovator in Gujarat in order to make it more sustainable and successful in the market. Two design teams were involved in solving the problem at hand: one used the tool; the other did not. The outcomes of the design activities were compared. Analysis of the design documents and recordings showed that the team using the tool covered more aspects of the design and hence generated better design compared to that the team without the tool. This study indicated that InDeaTe toolbox could help in developing better design outcomes for product design problems. Future work on InDeaTe includes expanding its database and improving its usability.