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Why Companies Can't Design Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Products

Design Theory via YouTube

Overview

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This course examines why companies struggle to make environmentally sustainable products, connecting industrialization, materials and sourcing, life-cycle measurement, consumer behavior, business incentives, and policy. It uses an industrial designer’s perspective to consider how product decisions can support a more sustainable future.

Syllabus

Intro
The Industrial Revolution
The Allure of Scale
Move Fast and Break Things
Why A Holistic System Is SO Important
Materials and Sourcing
Sustainability is HARD To Measure
Plastic is Kind of Amazing
Mismatched Incentives
Customers At Fault
Convenience Is King
The Path of Least Resistance
Designers/Engineers Are At Fault
Companies Are At Fault
Lawmakers Are At Fault
Are We Doomed?

Taught by

Design Theory

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

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  • Profile image for Lana
    Lana
    This course was an eye-opener! It provided a well-structured overview of the challenges companies face when trying to create truly sustainable products. The topics, especially the connections to the Industrial Revolution and the allure of scale, were thought-provoking and well-explained.

    I appreciated how the course balanced historical context with modern-day issues, like the reliance on plastic despite eco-friendly claims. The examples were relatable, and the pacing of the videos kept me engaged throughout.

    Overall, it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in design, sustainability, and the hidden complexities behind product manufacturing. Highly recommended

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