Ecodesign in product and service development

Product design processes are unique to each business. However, if you are considering ecodesign, there are several specific things you should focus on.

Key steps for ecodesign

These include:

• market demand and opportunity - identify the need for new or revised products within the marketplace
• concept development - evaluate the commercial and technical aspects as well as the feasibility of the initial design
• detailed design - define the form and function of new or revised products to produce prototypes
• prototype - assess the products' design and allow for changes to be made
• testing and final design - make any last-minute changes to the overall design before products go into production
• production - establish systems to check the performance of new or improved products against forecasts
• review - gain regular feedback from end customers, production and sales staff to improve and update products over time

How to get started with ecodesign

There are a number of ways you can ensure ecodesign results in products that are fit for purpose, have a clear market, and have less overall impact on the environment and society.

Starting the ecodesign process requires a number of important factors to be in place within your business. It can help to devise a strategy to ensure that you:

• get full support of senior management who can give access to specific environmental information, coordinate the work and allocate staff
• appoint a 'champion' to be the focus for all issues relating to ecodesign work
• hold ecodesign workshops within your business to help your staff understand how to minimise the impact of products on the environment
• produce a business case to look at the economic benefits that using ecodesign could bring to your business

Your products should deliver an expected service to their owners. Ask yourself if the product itself (or the function it provides) is what the customer actually wants. You should also consider if your new or revised products embody what the customer really values in the products they buy. See how to research your products for ecodesign.