Challenge Assignment: Introduction to Sustainable

Design
The Challenge:
Create a new cell phone system, applying Whole Systems and Lifecycle Thinking strategies during the
design process.

Considerations:
Sustainable design linked to a Whole Systems and Lifecycle Thinking project starts by formulating and
answering some key questions:

• What are the key requirements expressed by users for a cell phone?
• What are the requirements of the cell phone solution in relation to the needs of the users and the
environment?
• What are the key health and safety features that should be incorporated into a new cell phone
concept?
• What are the key sustainable design principles that should be considered for this solution?
• What are the specific materials and manufacturing processes that need to be sourced and considered?

Process:

For the Challenge Assignment, you should:

• Watch the Whole Systems and Lifecycle Thinking video and read the PDF to help you identify
innovation opportunities by looking at the “whole product system,” allowing you to get a full
picture of the challenges involved, before developing your design solutions.

• Read the Whole Systems and Lifecycle Thinking Quick Reference Strategies (PDF), which is a
single-sheet reference guide that summarizes Whole Systems and Lifecycle Thinking design
strategies to help you locate and define your design process.

• Review the Cradle-to-Cradle Diagram Example and the LCA Primer provided with this course,
which will help you identify the scope and boundaries of your assessment.

Challenge Outcome:

At the end of the Challenge Assignment, you should produce:

• A graphic diagram, illustrating all the lifecycles that you can think of for a cell phone or another
product of your choice. Remember to highlight the areas that offer the most potential for
sustainable innovation.

    Page 1