Lightbulbs and nappies: sustainable development and customer perceptions. (7th February 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Short, Tim; Harvey, Joan
• Is Part Of: International journal of sustainable design. Volume 1:Number 1(2008)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2008-02-07
• Subjects: sustainable development -- product design -- engineering design -- consumer psychology -- functional analysis -- objectives tree -- voice of the customer -- VoC -- sustainability -- customer perceptions -- consumer behaviour -- energy efficient lightbulbs -- reusable nappies -- reusable diapers -- green products -- sustainable design; Sustainable design -- Periodicals; Design, Industrial -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 745.2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-8284

Abstract

Recent interest in 'green' versions of everyday objects has led to a market presence for energy-efficient lightbulbs and the re-emergence of reusable nappies (diapers). Given their ease of use, one might think that 'green' lightbulbs would become far more popular than reusable nappies and the associated inconvenience. However, this is not always the case. The paper takes a novel approach to understanding consumers' behaviour, using functional analysis to examine 'green' and 'normal' products and demonstrating why some refuse to use energy-efficient lightbulbs, despite using reusable nappies. It considers how consumer perceptions have developed and the implications for engineering designers.