Ergonomics, Economy)-Friendly Product Development

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a design ideation and evaluation process for the develop- ment of ecology-, ergonomics-, and economy-friendly (E 3 -friendly) products.

Abstract: Objective : The present study was intended to develop a design ideation and evaluation process for the develop- ment of ecology-, ergonomics-, and economy-friendly (E 3 -friendly) products. Backgr ound : Due to increasing social and legal requirements on global sustainability, manufacturing companies have made more efforts ever than before for the development of eco-friendly products. However, most eco-friendly products are often criti- cized due to lacking ergonomic and/or economic considerations. Method : An E 3 -friendly product development process consisting of (1) survey of eco-friendly products, (2) characterization of eco-friendly products, (3) design ideation for E3 -friendly product, and (4) design idea evaluation for E 3 -friendliness was established and applied to the development of a novel product which supports drinking of daily recommended amount of water. Results : Fifty-five design characteristics were identified by a survey of forty eco-friendly products and incorporated into the proposed ideation and evaluation process. New ideas and design changes were developed effectively using the proposed development process for a novel E3 -friendly bottle for support of water drinking. Conclusion : The proposed process was found effective for the development of eco-friendly design ideas and improvements. A pplication : The proposed system would be of use to develop better design ideas having market competitiveness.