Life Cycle Assessment

Design and technology

Linear versus circular economy

Design

Manufacture and materials processing

Distribution

Product in use

Repair, maintenance and recycling

Redesign and rethink

In this unit pupils will develop knowledge of technology in society and its effects on design.  Through the life cycle assessment of popular products, they will learn how to be responsible designers.

Circular economy

In a life cycle assessment, a product's {{ }} impact is assessed at every single stage.

What can you assess at each stage of a life cycle assessment?

Offer free next-day delivery to customers.

Locate the manufacturing unit in country/county of sale.

Use biodegradable materials in packaging.

Flat pack or stackable products to reduce size.

What methods for reducing environmental impact could be considered at the distribution stage?

Design decisions at the {{}} stage are not required for a single use product.

a product that is no longer used or useful

products are often used briefly, become obsolete, and become waste

products and materials are kept in circulation and do not become waste

In a linear economy, a product’s life cycle can be defined as {{}}.

What do product designers carefully consider when designing products in a circular economy?

A smartphone designed to be easily repaired and upgraded

A free plastic toy in a children's magazine

Which of these is a good example of a product designed for the circular economy?

Which of the following is not a stage of the circular economy?

Which of the following Rs is missing from this list of design considerations in the circular economy: Reuse, Repair, Refuse, Recycle, Reduce, _____?

Starter Quiz