Lesson video

Hello there! My name is Mrs. Dhami.

Thank you for joining me for your Design and Technology lesson today.

Now the big question for today is: How can we reduce the environmental impact of a product when it is being used? So we're gonna explore this with some examples of products that you might find around your own homes, but we're also going to go slightly further afield and explore it with designs for developing countries.

It's gonna be a great lesson, so hard hats on.

Let's get cracking! Our outcome for today is we will be able to explain how to reduce the environmental impact of a product during its use.

We have four keywords today.

First of all, designs decisions.

These are a deliberate choice to meet requirement or solve a problem.

Durability is the ability of a product or material to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time.

Modular design is a design approach where a product is made up of separate interchangeable parts or modules.

And lastly, design opportunity.

Design opportunity is a gap or a need where a new or improved product would be beneficial.

Feel free to come back to this slide at any point.

We have two learning cycles today.

First of all, product in use and then investigation.

Let's kick off with product in use.

The circular economy can be defined as an economic system where products and materials are kept in circulation and do not become waste or become very minimal waste.

Now, environmental impact of the product in use stage can actually be influenced by design decisions made during the design or redesign stage.

That just shows the huge important role that we have as designers.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation explains the value of design in the circular economy.

Quoting, "Decisions made at the design phase influence how long something lasts, what it is made of, if it can be repaired, and what happens to it at the end of its life.

In fact, 80% of a product's environmental impact is influenced by decisions made at the design stage." Wow! What a huge, high figure that is.

And in the context of a circular economy, it means we have the power to redesign everything in order to eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature.

This highlights the important role that designers have in reducing environmental impact through their design decisions.

Time for our first check-in.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation states that something of a product's environmental impact is influenced by decisions made at the design stage.

Is it A, 75%? B, 78%? C, 80%? Or D, 82%? Have a think, try and remember, come back to me when you've got an answer.

Well done if you got C.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation states that 80% of a product's environmental impact is influenced by decisions made at the design stage.

Wow! Circular economy and lifecycle assessment encourage both designers and users to place greater value on sustainability and make design decisions to shift away from previous thinking of a throwaway society in which many products were designed for one-off use.

Government pressure, such as the plastic bag tax which was introduced in 2015, has also encouraged designers to make more sustainable design decisions.

And you can see that with the two pictures I've included.

There are now lots of eco-friendly packaging alternatives, such as compostable bags, and then the use of cardboard with lots of fruit and vegetables rather than single-use plastics.

A great example of this is packed lunches.

Think of cling film.

Cling film is a one-off use plastic.

Once you've used it, you tend to roll it up into a ball and you tend to throw it away.

It's not reused.

Have a little think.

What alternatives can you think of that are eco-friendly? Come back to me when you've got an idea.

Hopefully, you might have thought of a few of these.

We have reusable polymer lunch boxes that are long-lasting and ideal for protecting food.

We have beeswax wraps, which are moldable, reusable for up to a year, and then when they're worn out, they can be composted.

And then we also have fabric wraps, which are washable and reusable and they're often made from cotton or linen.

There are great durable alternatives to things like one-off use cling film.

The type of energy source selected for a product significantly affects its carbon emissions too.

So renewable energy design decisions that reduce environmental impact during use include windup mechanisms, powered by manual effort, which require no electricity.

And then solar energy.

We can harness sunlight to power the product sustainably, just like solar lights and solar calculators.

This is an image of a book that I actually bought twice for my children.

They absolutely loved it because you press that red button and out came some beautiful tunes, and they loved to press that button as we read the book together.

However, the first copy of it, I could not replace the batteries.

There was no accessible battery compartment.

However, when I went to buy it the second time, things had obviously moved on, design decisions have been made to make the batteries accessible, which meant that then the product did not become obsolete.

My children could press that button as many times as they like, and then I could simply replace the button battery.

An excellent sustainable decision there.

This nightlight attaches to the wall with a magnet.

It's really easy to remove and recharge.

We have it on our hallway so that the kids can see to go to the toilet at night.

The design decisions for this product are great because they use rechargeable batteries.

Therefore, I can just plug it into the port to recharge it rather than having to buy and dispose of old batteries.

I don't have to buy new ones, therefore, it minimises chemical waste and battery disposal.

Design decisions for adjustable or modular products enable upgrading or expanding without needing to replace the entire item.

Here are some great examples.

We have trousers that zip off into shorts and we have high heeled shoes that can convert into flats for versatility and comfort.

And we have heels that can actually be switched according to what outfit you are wearing.

Therefore, it saves you having to have more than one product.

It means you can just interchange and change the products to how you want them to look.

Great idea! Quick check-in.

Which of these products helps to reduce waste during the product in use stage? A, we have disposable plastic water bottles.

B, reusable beeswax wraps.

C, non-rechargeable batteries.

And D, single-use coffee cups.

Have a think.

Come back to me when you've got an idea.

Well done if you got B! Reusable beeswax wraps help to reduce waste during the product in use stage, such as getting rid of cling film.

Babies grow extremely quickly and before you know it, they've grown out of what they're using.

They've grown out of lots of products, they've grown out of clothes, and we can end up throwing a lot away when we have young children.

Now, here is a great example of a baby seat which is designed to be modular so that it can extend the lifespan.

So if we start on the left, that picture has got the tray and it has got a play attachment on it to keep the child busy.

You can remove that.

Let's move on to the next picture where they can use that tray to eat their food.

But you can also remove that tray so that the baby can sit in the chair.

And the green part there, that is just a bit of padding when they're very, very tiny.

But when they grow, you can remove that green part so that it allows more space for the young child to sit in.

So as I've put, some baby seats are designed with multiple functions, such as for play and feeding, and include removable inserts so that they can adapt as the child grows.

This modular design helps extend the product's lifespan and usability.

Great example of a sustainable- If you own a bike or have access to a bike, next time you use one, take a little look at the bike seat.

Now, when I was growing up, to adjust the height of the bite seat, you'd have to go and get and find a spanner and it would always take quite a bit of time to do.

Nowadays design decisions have been made to use quick-release clamps.

And take a look, see if yours has one.

Now, quick-release clamps was a design decision to make the height be easily adjusted, not just for yourself when you grow, but also so that bikes can be easily shared between different users without the need for specific tools.

Therefore, this allows the bike to grow with each of the users and be used really easily.

On to Task A.

For part one, I would like you to match the product idea, which is the picture, to the method of reducing environmental impact at the product in use stage.

So the methods are: Energy source, adjustability for users, modular design, and durable alternatives.

Good luck! Have a go.

Come back to me when you've got some answers.

Well done if you got energy source for the windup toy, modular design for the detachable whisk and whisk parts, adjustability for users with the bike helmet, and durable alternatives for the drinks flask rather than using one-off coffee cups.

Part two, I would like you to explain how the environmental impact can be reduced at the product in use stage of the circular economy.

I'd like you to use an example to support your answer.

Now you could choose to use one of these products, adjustable bike seats, rechargeable batteries, or food packaging.

But if you've got your own idea or your own example, feel free to use that.

Answers could include: During the product in use stage of the circular economy, the environmental impact can be reduced by making design decisions to use durable alternatives to single-use plastic such as reusable or biodegradable options.

For example, beeswax wraps are a sustainable alternative to cling film.

They can be used multiple times, reducing the need for single-use plastics.

After their lifespan, they can be composted, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

Fabric wraps, like cotton or linen, are another alternative.

These wraps are washable and reusable, making them a more sustainable and durable option than cling film, as they can be used for years without needing to be replaced.

These alternatives help reduce plastic waste, decrease reliance on non-renewable resources, and contribute to a more sustainable, circular economy by being reusable or compostable.

Well done with all your efforts on those.

On to learning cycle two.

It is time to investigate some amazing products.

This is Payton McGriff.

Now Payton McGriff is the founder of the nonprofit organisation called Style Her Empowered.

Now I really recommend you do an internet search and check out the Style Her Empowered website, as it's great and full of loads and loads of ideas.

Now, McGriff identified that in Togo, Africa, the high cost of school uniforms often prevents girls from attending school.

Now, this problem isn't just isolated to Togo in Africa, it happens throughout the world.

But Payton McGriff identified this in Africa and she identified a design opportunity.

Now, design opportunity is one of our keywords today.

It is when we identify a problem that could be solved and McGriff went about to solve that problem.

To address this design opportunity, McGriff designed an innovative uniform that can accommodate a child's growth over several years.

So how did she achieve this? Well, on the sides, if you can see in the zoom in there, the sides expand in the arms, the chest, and the waist.

So you can pull that in or you can loosen them very easily.

She also designed it so that the length of the dress can be changed and it can be adjusted by 348 millimetres.

Now think about that, that is longer than a 30 centimetre ruler.

And she managed to achieve this by using a hook and loop system.

And you can see in that zoom in there, you could easily fold that skirt underneath so that the length becomes shorter or let it out when you grow.

What a fantastic design.

22,975 school uniforms have been replaced so far, and as you're listening to this, that number is probably already rising.

Each of the innovative designs grows six sizes, therefore, it replaces the need for an additional five uniforms. What an amazing environmental impact at the product in use stage of the circular economy.

Not only does McGriff influence the environmental impact at the product in use stage, but also at the recycling and waste stage, because Style Her Empowered shred and recycle 100% of fabric scraps into making reusable menstrual pads.

Therefore, that completely reduces the waste in the circular economy.

How fantastic is that? So over 10,000 menstrual pads have been distributed to girls and women across rural Togo.

What a fabulous design.

Let's take a look at Style Her Empowered's impact so far.

So 22,975 uniforms have been replaced, and I know that figure will have gone up since I said these words.

22 rural communities have been served.

8,095 girls have been sponsored with their education.

That means 8,095 more girls have managed to access education.

That is fantastic.

Not only that, but Style Her Empowered has opened two sustainable factories in rural Togo, creating over 40 long-term salary jobs and keeping manufacture local.

Not only is it impacting the product in use stage, it's also impacting the manufacture stage of the circular economy and the distribution stage of the circular economy here, as the products are made locally.

Seamstresses are also learning to read, write, and manage finances in their paid-to-learn employment.

What a fabulous impact! Please, please go search them up and see for yourself what they have been doing.

Time for a check-in.

When in use, the Style Her Empowered uniform is an example of: A, renewable energy source.

B, modular design.

C, adjustability.

And D, one-off use.

Have a think.

Come back to me when you've got an answer.

Well done if you got C.

The uniform is an example of adjustability.

Remember, it can be adjusted at the sides and the length can also be adjusted so that the uniform can be worn over several years' worth of growth.

Let's investigate another design problem now.

So in many developing countries, access to running water is rare for rural communities.

This means that drinking water can be frequently carried long distances from water pumps or wells.

This is physically demanding.

Take a look at the picture with that young person carrying the water on top of their head.

This can cause strain or injury and takes up a lot of time.

Children often miss out on school because they are responsible for collecting water for their families.

Therefore, this creates a design opportunity, a chance for a problem to be solved.

This is the Hippo Roller, and the Hippo Roller was designed to meet that design opportunity.

It was designed by two South Africans, called Pettie Petzer and Johan Jonker in 1991.

Now you can see it's a large drum with a big red lid.

Now that lid can be taken off, it can be screwed off, and then it can be easily filled.

The great part about this design is it enables large amounts of water to be transported easily and efficiently to remote parts of the world and remote communities, rural communities where access to water is limited.

And you can see in this final picture, rather than carrying it on the head, it can be rolled along, which makes it a lot, lot easier.

What a fabulous design.

Let's take a look at the impact of the Hippo Roller at the product in use stage.

It allows users to roll 90 litres of water instead of carrying smaller, heavier containers.

Therefore, it reduces injury and long-term health problems. Look how easily this lady is rolling that water whilst also carrying a small child.

It also allows more water to be collected in one trip, meaning fewer journeys, which saves time and energy that can therefore be put into education, if it's a child, or into work.

It also improves access to clean water in remote areas, supporting better hygiene, health, and sanitation.

Fabulous.

The environmental impact of the Hippo Roller originates from the design decisions focusing on durability made during the design or redesign stage of the circular economy.

So let's take a little look at that in a bit more detail.

The handle is made from stainless steel.

Now, this provides strength and resistance to humidity and corrosion, making sure it is durable and lasts.

The great thing about the handle as well is that it enables the Hippo Roller to be pushed, but it also enables it to be pulled depending on the terrain and depending on the incline.

Next part is the drum.

The drum is made from UV stabilised linear low density polyethylene.

What a mouthful! Now this resists degradation from sunlight, meaning that it lasts longer.

In fact, the lifespan is between five and seven years, with some lasting even longer.

Take note of the blue Hippo Roller in this image though.

You can see it is standing up.

That is because of a ring on the bottom that allows it to stand up stably without rolling over.

That means that it's really easy to fill because it stays in one position.

Another way that it's easy to fill is the large red lid.

It's been made large on purpose, so, A, it's not lost, so the product does not become obsolete, but also it makes it easier for people to fill it up because often they used to find that lots of water would just roll over the sides if that area was too small.

So the large lid really helps with the use of the Hippo Roller.

Durability has been proven effective through 27 years of testing and multiple awards.

Very well deserved! It is maintenance free and built for daily use in harsh rural environments, including rough and uneven terrain.

Take a look at that picture.

That is some of the terrain that the water will need to be transported across, and the Hippo Roller, due to its one piece flexible drum design, spreads that stress evenly and has thick walls to prevent punches.

And that is why it can last between five and seven years, or potentially even longer.

Great design! The design for durability of the Hippo Roller reduces the need for repair, maintenance, or replacements, making it a really sustainable choice.

Great choice for a product in a developing country.

After use, the roller can be repurposed for functions such as storage bins, feeding troughs for animals, or baths, just like you can see in that picture there.

What a great way of reuse.

Let's take a look at the Hippo Roller's impact.

Over 70,000 Hippo Rollers have been produced as I speak.

57 countries have been reached.

Two billion litres of water have been transported.

Wow! Durable Hippo Rollers have made it faster and easier for families to collect clean water.

It has reduced the physical burden of carrying the water and has helped children return to education.

What a fabulous investigation of a wonderful product that is helping people throughout the world.

Check out their website for more pictures, for more facts, and to see what they have been doing.

Time for a check-in.

How does the design of the Hippo Roller contribute to its environmental sustainability when in use? A, made from recyclable plastic that breaks down over time.

B, only used in urban areas to reduce transportation emissions.

C, after use, the roller can be repurposed.

D, long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements.

Have a think.

Come back to me when you've got an answer.

Well done if you got C and D.

After use, the roller can be repurposed, and we saw that young child being bathed in it, and the long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements.

They typically last between five to seven years, if not longer.

On to Task B.

Part one, I would like you to research existing products that are designed in or for the developing world.

Products that aim to have a positive impact or minimise impact on the environment when in use.

This is a great opportunity to get exploring and see what other products are out there.

Enjoy! Part two, I'd like you to identify a design opportunity.

Remember, that's a problem that needs to be solved.

So identify a design opportunity by selecting an existing product that could be improved to make it more environmentally friendly during product use.

This could be a product around your own homes.

I'd like you to sketch your ideas for a redesigned version of the product.

Now, you could think about energy source, adjustability for users, modular design, and durable alternatives.

I'm excited to see what you come up with.

Enjoy this task.

Hopefully, you've done some fantastic investigations and found some really inspiring products.

Make sure that you share those with other people so that they can see what you have found.

Now, Izzy explored various products, including the Spider Boot and the Hippo Roller.

She chose to present her ideas using a mind map with images and annotations.

And you can see Izzy's done a great job of this.

It looks fantastic with some great information.

Well done, Izzy.

Sam spotted a design opportunity.

He said, "Parasols often break at the tilt pivot and get thrown away." So Sam designed a modular replacement for the pivot to extend the product life of a parasol and stop them being thrown away.

So if we zoom in there.

He decided the broken part of a pole could be sawn off and replaced with two modules.

Here's the sturdy module that can be attached to one end of the pole, and it's got flexible silicon inside that creates a lovely compression fit.

What a great idea, Sam, so that parasols are not thrown away as often as they sometimes are.

I would love to see what you have come up with.

Hopefully, you've got the opportunity now to share some of those ideas with each other.

Well done with your hard work on this.

This brings us to the end of our lesson today.

Let's summarise what we have found out.

Environmental impact at the product in use stage can be influenced by design decisions made during the design or redesign stage.

Design decisions include energy source, adjustability, design for durability, modular design, reusable, and designs that grow with the user.

Payton McGriff designed a wonderful innovative uniform that can be adjusted to accommodate a child's growth over several years and allow them to access education.

Pettie Petzer and Johan Jonker designed the durable Hippo Roller to transport large volumes of water to communities without access to clean water.

Two fantastic products.

I hope you enjoyed exploring them as much as I did.

Thank you for all your hard work and hopefully see you in another lesson soon.

Take good care.

Bye-bye-bye!.