Design for Sustainable Behaviour: Using Products to Change Consumer Behaviour – Summary

Introduction

Sustainable design blends environmental care, economic needs, and social impact. It covers every phase of a product’s life. Design for Sustainable Behaviour uses products to guide user actions. This method shows that energy use and many impacts come more from user habits than from manufacturing.

Key Challenges in Sustainable Consumption

• Government and NGO campaigns often do not change habits.
• Consumers struggle to connect their daily acts with big environmental effects.
• Consumption is not just buying; it is also about how we use, care for, and discard products.
• Strong social and mental forces can keep habits unchanged, even when the planet needs change.

Behaviour Models and the Habitual Nature of Consumption

• The Theory of Planned Behaviour teaches that attitudes, social rules, and perceived control drive actions.
• Triandis’ Integrated Model of Interpersonal Behaviour shows that feelings, social ties, and habits matter.
• Habits grow when actions become automatic, needing less thought and effort.

Design Intervention Strategies

DfSB uses design choices to change how users act. It works to:

• Change how users interact with products.
• Close the gap between good intentions and real actions.
• Give clear, live feedback so users see the effects of their acts.

Case Studies

1. Household Refrigerators
   This study shows that design can guide energy-saving habits by understanding user actions.

2. Mobile Phones
   This study checks social sustainability and finds that designers can use ethical ideas to change actions.

Ethical Considerations

The work calls for clear ethical checks when designing behaviour changes. It asks that designs respect user freedom and avoid sneakiness.

Conclusions and Implications for Designers

• Designers can bring real change by shaping behaviour.
• Success comes from a close look at habits and social cues.
• Strategies must work well for users and stay ethical.
• Shifting the design focus from production to use can make a big difference.

Why This Matters

When sustainable habits join design, companies can cut environmental harm and boost social care. This research offers a clear model and smart ideas. Designers and brands learn how to spark lasting, good changes through their products. For those who build sustainable products, using DfSB ideas is a key move toward better, future-proof habits.

Reference:
Bhamra, T., Lilley, D., & Tang, T. (2011). Design for Sustainable Behaviour: Using Products to Change Consumer Behaviour. The Design Journal, 14(4), 427-445. DOI:10.2752/175630611X13091688930453

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