The complexity of responsible design - key factors affecting the consultant industrial designer's opportunity to implement sustainable design and innovation

摘要: Since the beginning of profession, industrial designers, fuelled by their adaptability (Sparke, 1983; Austin et al., 2007) have offered manufacturers a broad set functions including styling, design for production, and human-centred design; to more recent involvement in innovation, strategy, creation meaningful experiences (Lorenz, 1994; Stevens 2008; Hargadon & Sutton, 2000; Olsson Holm, 2009; Kotler Rath, 1984; Cooper Press, 1995; Zaccai, 1990). Throughout this evolution, however, designer’s main role has been constant: assist growing profits clients designing distinct products which are appealing desirable consumers, entice them purchase Meikle, 2001; Whiteley, 1993; Heskett, 1980; Borja de Mozota, 2003; Amit, 2006; Today, recognition profound topics affecting society calls designers address additional goals beyond those associated with profit-making. Issues such as an ageing population, social inequalities environmental crisis, coupled awareness design’s potential positive influence, raised wide felt concern (not least all themselves) implications responsibilities current 1987; Cooper, 2005; Fuad-Luke, Bhamra Lofthouse, 2007; Walker, 2006). Design may well be “the most powerful tool yet given man shape his products, environment, and, extension, himself” (Papanek, 1984, p.102) but real opportunity affect change is determined myriad complex elements, seldom regarded or accurately accounted debates rhetoric surrounding these topics. There shortfall knowledge on actual influence designer can have; what determines it; relationship themselves system factors within they must operate. This paper presents findings from explorative study carried out UK Ireland part doctoral research project. Using thematic analysis data series interviews group workshops prominent firms, academics, consultants related disciplines, it identifies possibility sustainable responsible commercial clients. Emergent themes relating consultant’s experience motivations; project constraints; remit determining product outcome; client; business case; external influences, inherent context, described based realities today’s practices. From this, key interrelationships highlighted, concluding discussion resultant complexity shaping opportunities consultant commercialise solutions role.