Design to Environment: Information Model Characteristics

Design to Environmental (DtE) proposes an environmental parameter optimisation among the other design parameters to support the emergence of ecodesigned products that bring environmental value to the society. Numerous information systems have been developed to support the integration of domain-specific parameters. However, it is still unclear how well they perform together in supporting the emergence of ecodesigned products. This research focusses on identifying the information model characteristics needed to change a conventional design process into a DtE process. A framework for industry to find out the proper information models that will support their DtE practice is proposed through a modelview-controller structure, accessed from an operational level. Supporting frequent environmental information sharing, encouraging environmental and product designers operational initiatives, as well as measuring the environmental performance of the DtE process through local operational indicators are fondamental characteristics required for supporting product designers and environmental expertise successful collaboration in DtE. The novelty of this research is to provide a clear method to industries to find out in their information system a environmental optimisation support.