Sustainable product design through water themes: a case study of concepts of the Japan Design Foundation

Abstract

Toward the lack of academic studies from designers' viewpoint on issues of natural resources water, this preliminary paper in a series of chronological studies reviews the concepts based on the water theme from the design competition by Japan Design Foundation. The designers' perceptions of the water theme are studied from social, cultural, and environmental perspectives. According to the results, designers showed strong skills in solving water-related problems, such as conservation and protection. They also offered innovative solutions and unique ideas based on such strategies as the innovative use of natural water resources and material selection. An original design concept system was identified - a hybrid of equipment - that explored on a large-scale the sustainable resources of the sea. The main findings of this research led to a proposed concept mapping of the water theme, and its practicality was illustrated through a case study entitled Mobile Greenhouse Farm System.