The evolution of ecodesign

Product designs evolve and change over long periods of time, through phases of experimentation, consolidation and maturity, followed by further innovation or by decline. The examples used to illustrate this process of evolution are innovations in environmentally responsible ‘green’ products (or ecodesigns) in the areas of bicycles, automobiles, housing, lighting, washing machines and wave energy technology. The article argues that, to have significant environmental benefits, such green products will have to evolve from experimental designs into mature products and outlines some of the factors affecting the rate and extent of ecodesign evolution