Elements and Principles of Design for Sustainability

Abstract

The main purpose of this analysis is to make aware about the sustainability in elements and principles of design for fashion and footwear so that we could be able to develop the sustainable product, which can play an essential role in protection of the environment and society. The sustainability in elements and principles of design are the prominent tools in development and creation of the eco-friendly and feasible fashion product. In this article I will elaborate The brief discussion on sustainable design with the selection of the eco-friendly materials, energy efficient solutions, implementation of the zero waist process, product life cycle estimation, local sourcing and sustainable Guideline for a designer in terms of reusability of product and recycling, inspiration from natures and copy natural process and system to improve efficiency and reduce waste, user friendly design and minimize negative impact, design thinking should be human centric approach to solve problem and prototyping of sustainable solution, consumers awareness about the products environmental impact, promoting the equitable access, social aspects of sustainability in design, adaptation of the unseen challenges of the environmental conditions, collaboration among the designers, engineers and scientist to develop the innovative sustainable solutions. In conclusion the application of the sustainable elements and principle of design is essential for today’s most challenging environmental situations. Designer must concentrate on adopting the sustainable methods in design elements such as the material selection, energy efficiency, waste reduction, product life cycle assessment, durability and span, and have also acquire the instructions of the cradle to cradle, biognosis, user centered design, system logic, transparency, social equity, resiliency, close loop system and the collaboration. With this analysis the designer can achieve the way for a more sustainable and harmonic future for all in the world.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Design plays a very essential role in shaping the fashion world, and it has more influence than the aesthetic and functionality creation in a design.in this phase of mounting environmental challenges the elements and the principles of design for sustainability has become a more essential focal point for the researchers, entrepreneurs and the policy makers

The implementation of the sustainability into the design process has become a moral and realistic imperative for the designers of the world.

The main purpose of this exploration is to explore the development of the sustainable elements and the principles of the design.

So that the sustainable products can be evolved in the world to protect the environment and the society from the environmental hazards.in terms of the sustainability the designers must navigate the delicate balance in meeting the human needs and preserving the planet for future generation. The combination of the sustainable elements such eco-friendly materials, energy efficient solutions, implementation of the zero waist process, product life cycle estimation, with principles like  recycling, inspiration from natures, system to improve efficiency and reduce waste, user friendly design, human centric approach to solve problem, promoting the equitable access, social aspects of sustainability in design, adaptation of the unseen challenges of the environmental conditions, can be employed to create a solutions that are not only visually pleasing and functional but also environmentally responsible.

This paper explores the sustainable functional elements and the principles of design. It clarifies that how choices related to these elements can significantly impact the life cycle of a product or the ecological footprint of a structure. Moreover, it examines the principles of design, such as flexibility, efficiency, durability, and simplicity, to understand their role in optimizing sustainability.

In summary, the elements and principles of design are the building blocks of every creative design. This paper starts a journey to unravel the profound collaboration between design and sustainability, aiming to inspire and inform designers, scholars, and decision-makers as they struggle to create a more harmonious and responsible world.

II. LITERATURE REVIEW

A. Elements of Design for Sustainability

1. Material Selection: Sustainable material choices play a pivotal role in design. Using eco-friendly, renewable, or recycled materials can reduce environmental impact. Research by Braungart and McDonough (2002) in "Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things" emphasizes this approach.
2. Energy Efficiency: Designing for energy efficiency, such as using passive solar design or energy-efficient appliances, is crucial. "Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air" by David MacKay (2009) provides insights into sustainable energy usage.
3. Waste Reduction: The reduction of waste during the design and production phases is essential. The book "Waste to Wealth" by Peter Lacy and Jakob Rutqvist (2015) explores strategies for achieving this.
4. Adaptability and Modularity: Designing products or buildings that can be adapted or repurposed extends their lifespan and reduces waste. The concept is discussed in "Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things" by Braungart and McDonough (2002).
5. Biophilic Design: Integrating nature into design promotes well-being. "Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life" by Stephen R. Kellert et al. (2008) delves into this concept.

B. Principles of Design for Sustainability

1. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): LCA is a systematic approach for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or process. The book "Life Cycle Assessment: Principles and Practice" by Curran (2013) provides an in-depth understanding.
2. Design for Disassembly and Recycling: Encouraging easy disassembly and recycling of products is discussed in "Design for Environment" by Anna Meroni and Daniela Sangiorgi (2011).
3. Cradle-to-Cradle Design: The "Cradle to Cradle" concept, introduced by Braungart and McDonough (2002), advocates designing products with materials that can be perpetually recycled.
4. Sustainable Materials: Various papers and journals, such as the Journal of Sustainable Materials and Technologies, explore sustainable material choices and their applications.
5. Circular Economy Principles: The transition to a circular economy, where resources are reused and regenerated, is explored in "Circular Economy: An Interdisciplinary Exploration" by Ken Webster (2016).
6. User-Centered Design: Involving end-users in the design process ensures that products or buildings meet their needs and preferences. The concept is explored in "Sustainable by Design: Explorations in Theory and Practice" by Stuart Walker (2006).
7. Socio-cultural Considerations: Sustainability in design also involves understanding cultural and social contexts. The book "Cultures of Sustainability and Wellbeing: Theories, Histories, and Policies" by Sachiko Iwama and Harry Smith (2018) delves into this aspect.

III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

My research objectives for a study on "Elements and Principles of Design for Sustainability" has been specified and directly aligned with the aim of research. Here are some potential research objectives for my study:

1. To identify the Fundamental Elements of Sustainable Design: This objective focuses on identifying the core components that make a design sustainable, such as energy efficiency, use of renewable materials, or waste reduction.
2. To Determine the key Principles of Sustainable Design: This objective aims to identify the guiding principles that underpin sustainable design, like life cycle assessment, cradle-to-cradle design, or biophilic design.
3. To Assess the Effectiveness of Sustainable Design Elements and Principles: This objective involves evaluating how the application of specific design elements and principles contributes to the overall sustainability of a project or product.
4. To Examine the Impact of Sustainable design on Environmental and Social Outcomes: This objective seeks to understand how sustainable design affects environmental factors (e.g., reduced carbon emissions) and social aspects (e.g., improved quality of life) in various contexts.
5. To Explore the Integration of sustainable design into the fashion and Footwear Design Practices: This objective focuses on understanding how fashion designers, industrial engineers, and other professionals incorporate sustainable design principles into their work.
6. To Propose Recommendations for Enhancing the Application of Sustainable design in real-world Projects: This objective involves providing practical suggestions for improving the integration of sustainable design elements and principles in the design and manufacturing, products, or systems.
7. To Compare Sustainable Design Practices across Different Industries or Regions: This objective aims to analyze and compare how sustainable design principles are implemented in various sectors or geographical areas, highlighting best practices and differences.
8. To Investigate the Challenges and Barriers to the Implementation of Sustainable Design: This objective focuses on understanding the obstacles and constraints that may hinder the effective application of sustainable design elements and principles.
9. To create a Framework for Sustainable Design Decision-making: This objective involves developing a systematic framework that designers and decision-makers can use to incorporate sustainable elements and principles into their projects.
10. To Provide Insights into the future of Sustainable Design: This objective could explore emerging trends, technologies, or strategies that are likely to shape the field of sustainable design in the future.

IV.  RESULT

The result of applying the elements and principles of design for sustainability can lead to more environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable solutions in the fields of the fashion and footwear design. Here's an overview of how these concepts are applied and their potential outcomes:

A. Elements of Design for Sustainability

1. Materials: Sustainable design often involves using eco-friendly materials, such as recycled, renewable, or biodegradable resources. By selecting the right materials, designers can reduce the environmental impact of their projects.
2. Energy Efficiency: Designing for energy efficiency includes incorporating features like passive solar design, efficient insulation, and energy-efficient appliances to minimize energy consumption.
3. Water Efficiency: Choosing materials that require less water in their cultivation or production. For instance, selecting organic cotton (which often requires less water than conventional cotton), hemp, or linen, can contribute to water conservation. Using digital printing or dyeing methods that consume less water or employ waterless dyeing technologies can significantly reduce water usage in the coloring and patterning of fabrics. Implementing treatment systems to purify and recycle wastewater generated during production processes. Reusing water where possible in various stages of production minimizes the overall water footprint.
4. Waste Reduction: Minimizing waste during the manufacturing and operation phases of a project is essential. This can involve reusing materials, recycling, and designing for disassembly.
5. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Sustainable designs often consider their impact on local ecosystems and aim to protect and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.

B. Principles of Design for Sustainability

1. Life Cycle Assessment: Designers assess the environmental impact of a product or project throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. This helps in identifying the opportunities for improvement.
2. Systems Thinking: Sustainable design takes a holistic approach, considering how all components of a system interact and influence one another. This approach helps prevent unintended consequences.
3. Adaptability and Resilience: Designing with adaptability in mind allows structures and systems to evolve and respond to changing conditions, including climate change and population growth.
4. Community Engagement: Engaging with the local community and stakeholders is vital for sustainable design. Their input can lead to better solutions and ensure that the design meets the needs of the people it serves.
5. Cradle-to-Cradle Design: This concept promotes the idea that products and materials should be designed for permanent cycling in closed loops, rather than ending up as waste.

C. Potential Results of Applying these Principles

1. Reduced Environmental Impact: Sustainable design can lead to lower resource consumption, reduced waste, and minimized pollution, resulting in a reduced environmental footprint.
2. Cost Savings: Energy-efficient and resource-efficient designs can lead to lower operational costs over time, which can be economically beneficial.
3. Improved Quality of Life: Sustainable design can result in healthier, more comfortable living and working spaces, as well as better community environments.
4. Resilience to Climate Change: By designing with climate change in mind, sustainable projects can be more resilient to extreme weather events and shifting climate patterns.
5. Enhanced Reputation: Organizations and individuals that prioritize sustainability often gain a positive reputation and can attract environmentally conscious customers, clients, or investors.
6. Regulatory Compliance: Sustainable design often aligns with, and in some cases exceeds, regulatory requirements related to environmental standards and product codes.

V. DISCUSSION

There are the following Elements of design to create the sustainable Fashion and footwear product.

A. Selection of the Material

There are the following types of the biodegradable materials that can be used for the development of the sustainable products.

1. Biotic cotton

Biotic cotton is the cotton that has been grown without the use of the fertilizers.

It has been grown by the non-genetically modified seeds.

It focusses on improving the and maintaining the soil health and also reduces the overall water usage. Processing and dying of the biotic cottons often use the non-toxic dyes and chemicals that minimize the harm to the environment and the human health.

It also has been certified by the Global organic textile standards(GOTS).

It is also safe for the consumer’s health because of the absence of the residual chemicals and the toxins.

2. Hemp

Hemp are the plant that can be grown with the minimum use of the water and the pesticides.it is the fast growing plants reaching maturity in about 70-90 days.

It also has been considered as the environmentally friendly because it requires minimal water, pesticides and herbicides to thrive.it has been popular for its durability. It can be used to create the fabric for the clothing and footwear.

3. Biotic Linen

The line has been extracted from the flex plants which is biodegrable and breathable.

Biotic linin is popular for its strength, that is the source of the strongest natural fiber.

Most prominent feature of its fiber is that, it become softer and more comfortable after each wash.

It is going to be used in clothing of the summer dresses and the lightweight footwear.it has been grown without the use of the fertilizers

4. Tencel(Lyocell)

It has been extracted from the eucalyptus and the beech trees.

It is the ecofriendly fabrics, that has been derived from the renewable wood sources.

Eucalyptus trees basically requires the less water and land in compare to the cotton.

It is amazingly soft, smooth textured and silky feel against the skin and making comfortable to the wearer.

It is highly breathable and having the moisture absorption properties.it can efficiently absorb and release moisture, keeping the wearer cool and dry.

Its functionality is silky feel, breathable, moisture absorption, hence its suitable for the clothing and shoe lining.

It is the biodegrade which means it can easily decompose.

5. Biotic Wool

It has been extracted from the sheep which is organic.

It is most prominent sustainable material, that might be produced by the natural process.

It can easily decompose without harming the nature.it is having the feature of the perspiration absorption which can provide the comfort to the wearers by keeping them dry.

It has the following characteristics

• Warmth in nature
• Cushioning feel

Therefore, it is used in sweater, coats and winter footwear.

6. Cork

It has been extracted from the oak trees.it is renewable and sustainable in nature.

The use of the cork is for the manufacturing of shoe soles, insoles and also as a fashionable material for the bags and accessories.   

7. Pinatex

It has been extracted from the pineapple leaf fibers. It can be used to manufacture the clothing, shoes, and accessories like bags and belts.

8. Biotic Silk

It has been produced by the sericulture process. It is going to be used to develop the elegant clothing product like blouses, dresses, and silk-lined shoes.

9.  Bamboo

Bamboo is the fast-growing and sustainable plant that can be used to create the soft and breathable fabrics. It can be used to manufacture the clothing like bamboo t-shirts, socks, and insoles for footwear

10. Biotic jute

Jute is a natural fiber that can be used to produce the eco-friendly bags, sandals, and espadrilles.

11. Energy efficiency

The next prominent factor to be consider is the energy efficiency in the sustainable design. The designer must have to incorporate the energy efficiency solution in the product design and development process.it can be achieved by the involvement of the following methods.

a. Use of the digital technology for the conceptualization and visualization of the design ideas in a visual form. We must have to avoid the tradition method which is more energy and time consuming.

b. We must have to incorporate the renewable source of energy to generate the electricity and power which is consumable in the appliances of the design.

c. We must have to avoid the traditional method in the development of the patterns, interlocking of the patterns for marker making or nesting and cutting the components which involves in non-efficient process.

d. The most efficient process in pattern making and prototyping is the digital process which evolves the application of the 2D and 3D pattern making, visualizing and production planning with application software’s.

e. We must have to improve the operation wise movement of the design material to reduce the energy consumption.

12. Waste reduction

Waste reduction is the most essential key factor for a sustainable design.

There are following ways through which we can reduce the waste in design.

a. Design for Zero Waist: The designer must have to adopt the zero waist methods. We must have to choose the way that minimize the material waste during the pattern  making and prototyping such as the pattern making and its manipulation, grading, marker making, plotting and cutting with computer aided design and manufacturing software.

b. Upcycling and Recycling: We should incorporate the upcycling and recycling concept for the materials so that can minimize the need for new resources and it involves the reusing old materials to create the new products which contributes in reducing the wastage.

c. Lean Manufacturing: We should have to avoided the over production by implementing the lean manufacturing process. always track the products actual demand in the market and accordingly manufacture to prevent unsold items from ending up in landfills.

d. Modularity and Versatility: Designer should include the features in the products that can easily modified and customized by the consumers. This tricks will encourage the longer product lifecycles and will reduce the need for frequent replacement.

e. Waist Audits: we must have to conduct the regular waist audits to track and analyze the waist generation in the design and prototyping process to identify the areas for the improvement.

13. Lifecycle assessment

Product lifecycle assessment is also the most prominent factor to be consider while designing the sustainable products.

In this we must have to identify the environmental impacts throughout the products life, from the extraction of raw material to the disposal of it.          

Conducting a comprehensive lifecycle assessment helps in identifying the environmental impacts throughout a product's life, from raw material extraction to disposal, enabling designers to make informed decisions

14. Local Sourcing

There are following key factors that highlights the importance of the local sourcing.

a. Reduces the Carbon Footprint: The primary benefits for the local sourcing is the remarkable reduction in the transportation emissions. If the availability of the materials and the production process are near to each other, then it requires less amounts of energy in transportation which plays a significant role in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions.

b. Supports the Local Economies: It plays the significant role in supporting the local communities and economics by creating the jobs which stimulates the economic growth.

c. Transparency and Accountability: In order to become more transparent and accountable we must have to enhance the local supply chain. The relationship between the designer and supplier can be closer which enables the better for the material demands.

d. Quality Control: To maintain the quality of the raw material local sourcing contributing very well.the can have a direct approach in production process that will result in quality production.

e. Fostering Artisanal Craftsmanship: Local sourcing plays very essential role in preserving the traditional craftsmanship and artisanal skills that not only contributes in cultural preservation but also offers unique and high quality products.

15. Durability and span

The incorporation of the long lasting material and protective production method in product design is very essential.

It will help to conserve the resources for the long turn.

There are the following ways to achieve the durability and span in product design.

a. Material Selection: The selection of the durable, long-lasting and low maintenance material is very essential to resist the environmental factors and wear over time. We must have to consider the materials that is having the low environmental footprint with long lifecycles which should be recycled and reclaimed materials.

b. Climate-Responsive Design: The selection of the form and aesthetics in design must have to be according to the local climate conditions, such as extreme temperature humidity, wind, and precipitation that can reduce the risk of damage and deterioration.

c. Resilience: We must have to incorporate the resilience features in our design that can withstand the natural atmospheric and climatic disasters.

d. Quality Construction: We must to incorporate the high-quality construction practices to avoid structural and the fictional defects. Now, let us explain about the guidelines for the sustainable design. There the following guidelines for the sustainable design

B. Cradle to cradle

This guide lines of the design promotes the ideas, that the product must be designed with the intention of eventually being reusable, remanufacturable, and recyclable

1. Biomimicry

The principles of the biomimicry in design leads the inspiration from the natures design to innovate the sustainable solutions. Designer must have to mimic the natural processes and system to improve efficiency and reduction in the wastage. We must have to gather the elements of design from nature and try to learn the natures manufacturing process in terms of the capturing energy, energy consumption, interconnection with environment and potential of eco system.

C. User centered design

The best solution to minimize the negative impact of the consumers is the user centered design. In this we must have to focus on the consumers’ needs in relation to the products. We must have to incorporate the features in the product that can resolve the problem of consumers.

There are the following methods to gain the user centered approach in design

1. Understand the user: Designer must have to gain a deep understanding of the target users, their objectives, needs, and pain points. It can be achieving by conducting user research through different methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, and usability testing of the users.
2. Define User Image: Create user profiles that represent different segments of your user base. Personas help designers identifying with and design for specific user groups.
3. Set Objectives and goals: Define clear objectives and goals for the design project. What are you trying to achieve? What problem are you solving for users?

Design thinking must have to encourage an iterative and the human-centric approach in problem solving.it must involve the empathy, ideation in design thinking and prototyping to create the sustainable solution.

D. System Logic

We must have to consider the challenges within the context of the design system and try to identify the potential ripple effects and unintended consequences of design decisions.

E. Transparency

The designers must have to enhance the consumers’ awareness in relation to the products environmental impacts through eco-labels and environmental product decelerations, so that it can be easily identified that meets the specific environmental performance criteria.

F. Social Equity

Designer must have to consider the social aspects of sustainability which can be done in the following ways.

G. Inclusivity

We must have to include the perspective, needs and concerns of the diverse stock holders and communities in the design process. We must have to include the fair labor practices, supporting local communities and promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities.

H. Resiliency

The product design and process must be resilient in adaptation of the changes in the environmental conditions and unforeseen challenges for the sustainable product design and prototype.

I. Closed-Loop Systems

We must have to focus in the closed-loop system in gathering the elements of design, and in prototyping that encourage the reusing, recycling, repurposing materials to reduce the waste and the recourse consumption

J. Collaboration

There should be a sustainability-centric collaboration among the designers, engineers, scientist and the stockholders for the design and development of the innovative and sustainable solutions.

Conclusion

On the above discussion we conclude that the selection of the sustainable elements and the principles of the design is the multifaceted approach for the solution of sustainable design problems that includes the environmental, economic and the social aspects to create the design of the products that are responsible, efficient, and ever beneficial for the people and the environment of the world.it always seeks to meet the sustainable needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs acception of the elements and the principles of design for sustainability is not only the moral imperatives for the designers and the consumers but also the implementing strategy for addressing the pressing global challenges of climate changes, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation.

References

[1] David, Bergman. (Jul 2, 2013) Sustainable Design. New York: Princeton architectural press. [2] Sass, Brown. (6 October 2010) Eco Fashion. London: Laurence King Publishing [3] William, McDonough and Michael, Braungart (2002) Cradle to Cradle. New York: North Point Press [4] Kate, Fletcher and Lynda, Grose (2012) Fashion and Sustainability. London: Laurence King Pub [5] Peter Lacy, Jakob Rutqvist (2015) Waste to Wealth. London: Palgrave Macmillan [6] David MacKay (2009) Sustainable Energy. Cambridge: UIT Cambridge Ltd. [7] Curran (2013), Life Cycle Assessment. S: John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Copyright

Copyright © 2024 Hafiz Obaidullah. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.