Uncovering ecodesign dilemmas

Uncovering ecodesign dilemmas: A path to business model innovation

Prendeville, S.M. (TU Delft Circular Product Design; Loughborough University London)
O'Connor, Frank (Ecodesign Centre)
Bocken, N.M.P. (TU Delft Circular Product Design)
Bakker, C.A. (TU Delft Circular Product Design)

2017

The aim of this article is to explore how ecodesign dilemmas contribute to a firm's ecodesign evolution. The article achieves this through empirical research into a process of ecodesign decision-making in a single firm. The study spans a timeframe of nine years. The article describes how recognising and dealing with ecodesign dilemmas fuels cycles of learning, leading the firm towards business model innovation. The study classifies a unique set of ecodesign dilemmas: hierarchies; tensions; contradictions; and oversights. Through this classification, we show how firms need to adopt a unified approach combining operational (ecodesign principles approach), tactical (ecodesign management processes) and strategic actions (business model innovation), to systematically manage ecodesign dilemmas. To support this, the article presents a framework describing key actions for operational, tactical and strategic ecodesign decision-making and the types of ecodesign dilemmas typical to each approach. Through this study, we show that the business model is critical to inform effective ecodesign decision-making and illustrate how design can drive firms towards sustainable change, from the bottom up.

Ecodesign
Ecodesign Maturity
Dilemmas
Trade-Offs
Business model innovation

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:14171c24-4acf-4598-9172-fa9be8dcf890

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.11.095

2019-01-10

0959-6526

Journal of Cleaner Production, 143, 1327-1339

Accepted author manuscript

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2017 S.M. Prendeville, Frank O'Connor, N.M.P. Bocken, C.A. Bakker