Importance of user and usage for eco-design

Abstract

There are methods and technologies developed for generation and evaluation of product proposals for better environmental efficiency throughout the lifecycle. But in use phase these are not effective due to complexity of user behaviours and usage scenarios. Literature review revealed the need to develop productswith the help of user to achieve sustainability. An outline of a conceptual system to include user in design is proposed in this chapter consisting of different dimensions based on the interactions and influences. It is important to consider howandwhere the user uses the product in reality while designing by including user also in design process. When different elements like people, product and environment come together, their individual characteristics, context in which they operate determine the interactions and influences among them. The questions need to be answered are identified to develop the proposed system. © Springer-Verlag London 2013.