Section 3 Flashcards
What is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in product design?
LCA evaluates the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.
Why is it important to consider a product’s ecological footprint during design?
Considering the ecological footprint helps minimize environmental harm by assessing resource consumption and environmental impact throughout the product’s life cycle.
What are the two components of a carbon footprint?
The primary footprint (direct emissions from burning fossil fuels) and the secondary footprint (indirect emissions from the products we use).
How do natural materials differ from synthetic materials in terms of sourcing?
Natural materials come from plants, animals, or the earth, while synthetic materials are created through chemical processes.
What is the significance of designing for disassembly?
Designing for disassembly facilitates easier repair, recycling, and reduces waste by allowing products to be taken apart efficiently.
How can designers reduce a product’s environmental impact during the raw material extraction phase?
By selecting sustainable materials, minimizing material usage, and choosing suppliers with environmentally friendly practices.
What role does transportation play in a product’s life cycle assessment?
Transportation contributes to the environmental impact through energy consumption and emissions during the movement of materials and products.
Why is it important to consider social responsibility in product design?
To ensure ethical practices, fair labour conditions, and to positively impact society throughout the product’s life cycle.
What is the difference between a linear economy and a circular economy?
A linear economy follows a ‘take-make-dispose’ model, whereas a circular economy emphasizes resource efficiency by reusing, repairing, and recycling materials.
How does the choice of manufacturing processes affect a product’s environmental impact?
Different processes vary in energy consumption, waste production, and emissions, influencing the overall environmental footprint.
What is the purpose of conducting a feasibility study in design?
To assess the practicality and potential success of a project by evaluating factors like resources, time, and technical requirements.
Why should designers consider the end-of-life phase during product development?
To plan for recycling, disposal, or repurposing, thereby reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
What is meant by the term ‘social footprint’ in the context of product design?
It refers to the impact a product has on people and society, including labour practices and community effects.
How can the use of renewable energy sources benefit the manufacturing process?
By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a smaller environmental footprint.
What factors should be considered to ensure a product is socially responsible?
Ethical sourcing of materials, fair labour practices, safety, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity.
