Giuseppe Salvia | University College London (original) (raw)

Ph D Thesis by Giuseppe Salvia

Journal and Conference Papers by Giuseppe Salvia

The Circular Economy (CE) is attracting business, policy and academic interest through potential ... more The Circular Economy (CE) is attracting business, policy and academic interest through potential monetary and environmental savings, by material and product lifetime extension. However, it overlooks the role of consumption in achieving its goals, posing less emphasis on reuse and repair for instance. Focusing on the 'inner' CE loop of repair could unlock underaddressed potential, especially if developed in conjunction with emerging sociotechnical changes of distributed production. These are considered adaptable, flexible and resilient which exploit the power of networks. In this paper, we propose that distributed production (through open design) can be leveraged to foster the wider uptake of repair practice and business. To this end, four scenarios are represented in which design is a strategic tool to foster repair, at different scales and level of peoples' engagement.

The current trend of digitally enabled self-production (i.e. digital DIY) is emblematic of the co... more The current trend of digitally enabled self-production (i.e. digital DIY) is emblematic of the contemporary attitude to making. Its investigation represents an opportunity
for better understanding the dynamics underpinning the acquisition of competences for the next century citizens through making.
The objective of this paper is presenting our preliminary reflections on the factors characterising the current trend of digital DIY, envisaged as a phenomenon of social
innovation empowering people by developing skills through making collaboratively. We introduce a model representing the dynamics (over the three levels of social innovation, social practice and creative process) and factors (i.e. technology, motivation and collaboration) for learning and skilling in this context.
The concluding section describes future developments based on co-design for the delivery of tools enabling designers and key players in four main areas of intervention in which the model can be transferred.

The current trend of digitally enabled self-production (i.e. digital DIY) is emblematic of the co... more The current trend of digitally enabled self-production (i.e. digital DIY) is emblematic of the contemporary attitude to making and crafting. Although digital DIY has been seen as an opportunity for social and technological innovation, a major debate is taking place in research literature about its potential skilling or deskilling effect on practitioners.
For instance, on the one hand, focusing on the digital representation undermines the ability to experience materials qualities and manufacturability. The ultimate effect is the development of a creative process, which is led by a virtual idea disconnected from the material world. On the other hand, the machine itself is a manifestation of knowledge, skills and labour involved in its design, manufacture and maintenance.
The objective of this paper is to further unpack this debate and presenting our reflections from an ongoing research project on the potential of digital DIY as a skilling process through making collaboratively. We introduce a research model representing the dynamics enacting over three interdependent levels (i.e. social innovation, social practice and creative process) in which three factors of technology (e.g. digital fabrication), motivation (e.g. commitment) and collaboration (e.g. with peers) are envisaged as crucial for learning and skilling.

Product Lifetimes and the Environment conference proceedings

Contemporary self-production (i.e. DIY) phenomena are envisaged as a 'window of opportunity' to f... more Contemporary self-production (i.e. DIY) phenomena are envisaged as a 'window of opportunity' to foster sustainable and satisfactory practices of consumption and production. This research addressed self-production to save products and prolong their lifespan once the end-of-life is reached by re-using, re-pairing, re-purposing, and re-appropriating. The resulting 'RE-DIY' practice was investigated through qualitative interviews with 15 practitioners in Italy and England (UK). Sociological theories of practices have been used to investigate the skills, material and meaning elements sustaining the practice under examination. Four different groups of practitioners were identified according to motivations and levels of commitment and interest. However, all interviewees seemed to perceive comparable levels of satisfaction from practising RE-DIY. Furthermore, some elements for a flow condition have been identified. Finally, the role of design professionals in boosting the sustainable potential of RE-DIY will be proposed. To this purpose the scale of action and typologies of collaboration for design are mapped.

Published in the proceedings of PLATE conference 2015

This paper addresses the discrepancy between the expected and actual lifetimes of vacuum cleaners... more This paper addresses the discrepancy between the expected and actual lifetimes of vacuum cleaners considering perceived ‘brokenness’ as a driver for replacement. Among electrical products, vacuum cleaners have a high rate of domestic ownership in the UK. They also embody large quantities of greenhouse gases which could be reduced by increasing their longevity and resource efficiency (Schreiber et al., 2012). A focus on energy efficiency has only shown limited or even negative results, therefore to meet recent European Union regulations on durability requirements a focus on product longevity is needed. Around one half of new vacuum cleaners purchasers replace one less than 5 years old, far below its expected lifespan, with perceived breakage, poor performance and unreliability as the major reasons for replacement. Their relative simplicity could allow vacuum cleaners to last for significantly longer. The nature of the common causes of failure is known, including stretched cords or blockages, and WRAP has developed guidelines for product improvements. However, many working or repairable machines are disposed of because they are perceived to be ‘irremediably’ broken.
This paper explores the drivers of perceived brokenness through empirical work that suggested a loss of suction influences replacement decisions. Suction is closely connected to the machine’s condition. Regular, minor maintenance preserves suction power for longer but users appear to neglect it, even finding it irritating (Electrolux 2013). Users’ lack of interest in maintenance is a major barrier to prolonging the machines’ lifespans, and aligns with their view of vacuum cleaners as ‘mechanical servants’ offering easy, effortless cleaning (Jackson 1992). However, when a tool breaks down or loses efficiency it suddenly demands attention. The paper addresses possible (and concurrent) factors determining ‘brokenness’ and the mental calculation of the effort required to rectify it, such as perceived difficulty and the cost of replacement or repair. Using Latour’s concept of delegation, it proposes a biological analogy for the relationship between user and machine to establish that brokenness is not necessarily an intrinsic condition but, rather, a perception of the machine demanding unwanted effort of the user.

10th International Technology, Education and Development Conference

Contemporary education faces the challenge of teaching and learning key competences for students ... more Contemporary education faces the challenge of teaching and learning key competences for students to strive as the next generation workers in the contemporary world characterised by rapid and profound transformation. In particular, the current societal trend of ‘making’ for laypeople especially enabled by rapid manufacturing and digital technologies is questioning the role of professional
designers in a world where – as also design literature reports – ‘everybody is a designer’ (Manzini
2015; Cross 2011).
The objective of this paper is presenting our reflections about the digitally enabled self-production trend (aka digital DIY) as a means for students to develop and improve the key competences to face the complexity of contemporary age.
This set of cognitive, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills generally recognised of fundamental importance for the next generation labour market, social cohesion and active citizenship comprises not only technical and engineering knowledge, but also creativity and critical thinking, effective communication and collaboration, plus a range of personal qualities such as motivation, curiosity, selfdevelopment and management.
Such key competences have been widely defined and work programmes have been activated to promote their application among the educational and work fields. In Europe, key competences represent the pillars of the Lifelong Learning programme edited by the European Commission (2006/962/EC). Across the United States some promoter (i.e. the Partnership for the 21st century skills, National Research Council) are trying to merge education, business, community and government leaders around these competences, mainly known as 21st century skills (The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2008).
Since the last decades of the 20th century, research in learning processes have suggested the importance of making and doing as a means to foster the acquisition of these skills, especially the creative ones. Digital DIY is here envisaged as a creative practice in which people – including design students – may increase their self-confidence and empowerment. Rooted in design and construction, these digital making activities often emphasise the acquisition of problem-solving, critical thinking,
creativity, cross disciplinarity and collaboration.
Within the framework of the EU funded project ‘Digital Do-It-Yourself (DiDIY), we are exploring the dynamics facilitating the acquisition of the key competences in this practice. We introduce a model representing the dynamics and factors for learning and skilling in this context. As design researchers,
we aim at contributing by developing (co)design-driven tools facilitating the identification of the skilling dynamics where digital DIY practice takes place.
In this paper we will firstly define such competencies as a result of a comparative study from literature analysis and then argue why they are developed through digital DIY. Finally, we will conclude with the proposal of transferring the skilling dynamics identified in digital DIY to education system.

Published in the proceedings of PLATE conference 2015

An apparent reduction in the average lifetime of vacuum cleaners is explored in this paper in rel... more An apparent reduction in the average lifetime of vacuum cleaners is explored in this paper in relation to their perceived usability and increasingly frequent product replacement. Motivations for product disposal combine perceived and real product failure with a perceived or real improved product offer. From an historical perspective, vacuum cleaners typify this pattern, continually offering a ‘cheaper and improved’ product.

Proceedings of Cumulus Milan 2015 "The virtuous circle" conference, Dec 2015

A wave of interest in Do-It-Yourself (DIY) has been recently observed in relation to technologica... more A wave of interest in Do-It-Yourself (DIY) has been recently observed in relation to technological advances and lowered prices facilitating the access to the practice at different levels of skills.
This research envisaged the DIY trend as an opportunity to foster positive sustainable impact in a society where everyone can and does design. In this paper the role of Design in current ‘new’ DIY age is addressed. In particular professional designer as facilitator is investigated when supporting the DIY practitioners while repairing, reusing and in other practices prolonging product lifespan (RE-DIY).
The facilitator role is studied through action research approach by setting four workshops in Italy, in which designers supported practitioners while repairing and repurposing.
The repairing workshops validated the hypothesis of a positive design contribution towards the RE-DIY practice, namely facilitating the optimisation of resources (e.g. saving materials), information provision about processes (e.g. 3D printing), and increased quality of artefacts (e.g. refining the aesthetics). Critical components of the working conditions have been identified such as the relevance of facilities, availability of time and emotional attachment to the product. These can be overtaken through the use of professional Design expertise based on abductive approach, finding an ordering principle and reasoning on multiple levels.

It has been estimated that by 2030 the number of people who are wealthy enough to be significant ... more It has been estimated that by 2030 the number of people who are wealthy enough to be significant consumers will have tripled. This will have a dramatic impact on the demands for primary materials and energy. It has been estimated that with improvements in design and manufacturing it is possible to maintain the current level of production using 70% of the current primary material consumed. Even with these improvements on the production side, there will still be a doubling of primary material requirements by the end of the century, with accompanying rises in industrial energy demand, if the rise in demand for goods and services is to be met. It is therefore clear that the consumption of products must also be explored. Product longevity and using goods more intensively are two strategies which could reduce the demand for new goods. If products last longer, then manufacturing output can concentrate on emerging markets rather than the market for replacement goods. There are many goods which are infrequently used, these seldom wear out. The total demand for such could be drastically reduced if they were shared with other people. Sharing of goods has traditionally been conducted between friends or by hiring equipment, but modern communication systems and social media could increase the opportunities to share goods. Sharing goods also increases access to a range of goods for those on low incomes. From a series of workshops it has been found that the principal challenges are sociological rather than technological. This paper contains a discussion of these challenges and explores possible futures where these two strategies have been adopted. In addition, the barriers and opportunities that these strategies offer for consumers and businesses are identified, and areas where government policy could be instigated to bring about change are highlighted.

Recent studies demonstrate that environmental consciousness has garnered increasing interest in d... more Recent studies demonstrate that environmental consciousness has garnered increasing interest in design
practices1. Currently, a growing idea in the research community is that sustainable design must be capable of changing users’ behavior2 rather than only products
and materials properties. Even though several stra
tegies have been developed in last years,3 the challenge o
f sustainable development needs to investigate a ne
w holistic design-driven approach.
The research highlights paths for designers to fost
er and support users’ involvement in waste reductio
n through
the promotion of “R” strategies.4 In particular, ac
tive involvement of users is considered as a way to
postpone
the end of life of products by reusing and repairin
g them. The following paper investigates the potent
ial
contribution to sustainability given by the valoris
ation of the environmental benefits of reuse practi
ces. In
particular, we focus on the role of joint systems,
called “connections”, as actuators of relationship
between
artefacts and users. By understanding the evolution
of artifacts through the lens of connections, we c
an then
begin to look at objects as reusable structures, ab
le to fit a variety of changing contexts and needs.
In this view,
the notion of “reuse” is reconstructed as innovativ
e design practice with several productive, social a
nd design
advantages.
To demonstrate our theory, we firstly classify four
different types of user/object interactions, calle
d
“communicative scenarios”. Each communicative scena
rio can: potentiate affordances, activate a
communication path from the object, deny communicat
ion and create a “coached” connection. To clarify h
ow a
designer can open a specific communicative scenario
, we use the strategic value of connections. Thus,
we
present a focus on 150 significant products selecte
d according to their ability to: repurpose objects,
minimize
material consumption, get user involved and suggest
interesting design ideas. By looking at the new fu
nction of
the object envisaged by designers, each product is
classified with respect to the communicative scenar
io
opened and the connections that made it possible.
The research further contributes to the “design for
reuse” concept by gathering 22 joint systems with
high
potential for interaction in each scenario. A map i
s produced to support designers in the renovated approach for longer-lasting products and relationships through connections. These tools allow designers to predict users’ reaction and to handle it for product reuse.

Current Hyperconsumerism Society have been causing drastic environmental reper-cussions, most of ... more Current Hyperconsumerism Society have been causing drastic environmental reper-cussions, most of which designers are responsible for and they should attempt to solve adopting such promising approaches as “designing new production–consumption sys-tems”. In the research here presented, alternative sustainable relationship between in-dividuals and objects has been studied to prolong artefacts lifespan through the redis-covery of the affective tie for environmental gains. The study aims to give new value to what is addressed as “imperfect”, as potential traces of the vitality of objects, reinforc-ing an emotional linking. To the purpose a wide survey has been carried out investigat-ing cultural traditions first, and then an original analytical exercise has been carried out to identify potential “imperfect” features for sustainable design approach. On the basis of almost 100 significant (semi-)industrial objects, 4 main design approaches have been identified: Standard Unique, Time and use signs, Breakage followed by fixing, Breakage followed by a new function.

Each year in Italy, millions of tons of fruits and vegetables are harvested, packed and transport... more Each year in Italy, millions of tons of fruits and vegetables are harvested, packed and transported to national and foreign retail outlets. Packaging is an essential component of this system, but what is its environmental impact?

This study takes into consideration the delivery from the field to the retail outlet of 12 types of fruits and vegetables grown and harvested in Italy and sold in Italy and Europe. The study compares two different packaging and distribution systems: one-way with corrugated boxes and reusable with plastic containers.

A number of different scenarios were generated by combining the most diffused packaging sizes with the most important production and selling locations for each type of fruit and vegetable and by considering the specific route required to perform the transportation with each distribution system.

The environmental impact of each system in each scenario has then been analysed using the life cycle assessment methodology.

Two algorithms and a number of coefficients were derived to simplify data collection and impact analysis for all scenarios. This provides an easy tool to evaluate the potential environmental burden of the two alternative distribution systems in a specific scenario by taking into consideration only a few variables (such as size of packaging and transportation distance).

These algorithms and coefficients are presented in the work, along with the process that led to their generation and with considerations about the main critical environmental aspects for both distribution systems. The work aims to suggest possible design solutions that can make each system more sustainable.

The research investigates the possibility of objectively anticipating the sensorial qualities of ... more The research investigates the possibility of objectively anticipating the sensorial qualities of fabrics as an opportunity for competitiveness in textiles fields. To this end, three meaningful subjective sensorial perceptions for a specific sampling of fabrics have been associated with objective material properties measured through both conventional and alternative tests. The samples have been eventually assessed by three groups of panelists in three different sensorial modalities, involving touch and sight. Data from the physical and mechanical tests were then statistically related to these subjective rankings in order to identify objective properties that best anticipate specific sensorial information. Two are the main results: (a) subjective perceptions are independent from user's professional background; (b) a specific objective property is a reliable parameter for softness sensorial anticipation. Finally, a set of tools is proposed to exploit the potentiality of the obtained results.

This paper explores the defects during the production seen as a gain in usability and an economic... more This paper explores the defects during the production seen as a gain in usability and an economic opportunity for the industry; the strategy proposed here is to exploit the flaws as generator of unique products and inspiration for the mass customization. These defects, connected to each process, usually entail the removal of the product from the production chain, up to its elimination. Yet even EU directives on guarantees for consumer goods have focused on the lack of conformity of products [Directive 1999/44/EC] or ISO regulations, the usefulness to support Quality Management System [ISO 9001:2008] and authorize and propose strategies for enhancement of the defective products. Therefore this research suggests the involvement of industrial design in the optimization of defects in design and construction in the categories proposed by D. M. Bryce, in order to extend the life of the product from the production stage "This is what we want to do with design: discover and show opportunities" [22], acting primarily on the aesthetic and functional aspect. The method used begins with the identification of possible defects, examining the injection moulding process as a case study. The defects (coming from the state-of-art analysis, interviewing experts and visiting companies) were mainly analyzed critically and creatively interpreted: how do they look aesthetically, what are the causes of their defects, the implication on the moulded part, possible new uses and purposes, etc. This stage has allowed the comparison between typical defects in the injection moulding process and products (already commercialized and considered of high commercial and/or creative value) characterized by a similar morphology. For each defect some parameters were considered such as the possibility of intervention by the designer, the level and the type of this intervention. In conclusion, the research has investigated potential strategies for process innovation through the creative role of design, highlighting flaws and imperfections that can be recruited by the market, becoming a presumption for uniqueness on the inside of serial production.

The current trend of digitally enabled self-production (i.e. digital DIY) is emblematic of the co... more The current trend of digitally enabled self-production (i.e. digital DIY) is emblematic of the contemporary attitude to making and crafting. Although digital DIY has been seen as an opportunity for social and technological innovation, a major debate is taking place in research literature about its potential skilling or deskilling effect on practitioners.
For instance, on the one hand, focusing on the digital representation undermines the ability to experience materials qualities and manufacturability. The ultimate effect is the development of a creative process, which is led by a virtual idea disconnected from the material world. On the other hand, the machine itself is a manifestation of knowledge, skills and labour involved in its design, manufacture and maintenance.
The objective of this paper is to further unpack this debate and presenting our reflections from an ongoing research project on the potential of digital DIY as a skilling process through making collaboratively. We introduce a research model representing the dynamics enacting over three interdependent levels (i.e. social innovation, social practice and creative process) in which three factors of technology (e.g. digital fabrication), motivation (e.g. commitment) and collaboration (e.g. with peers) are envisaged as crucial for learning and skilling.

Product Lifetimes and the Environment conference proceedings

Published in the proceedings of PLATE conference 2015

10th International Technology, Education and Development Conference

Published in the proceedings of PLATE conference 2015

Proceedings of Cumulus Milan 2015 "The virtuous circle" conference, Dec 2015

The environmental impact of each system in each scenario has then been analysed using the life cycle assessment methodology.

Sharing Cities Shaping Cities, 2018

We are delighted to present the proceedings of the first international conference on Product Life... more We are delighted to present the proceedings of the first international conference on
Product Lifetimes and the Environment (PLATE). This ground breaking event, held in
Nottingham, UK, included 5 keynote presentations, 62 papers and 6 workshops. Alongside
the conference was an exhibition of prototypes, objects, artefacts, posters, photographs
and films, details of which are provided in a separate catalogue.
Product lifetimes have become an increasingly important element in the debate on circular
economy, resource efficiency, waste reduction and low carbon strategies for sustainability.
Consequently a growing body of academic researchers, companies, independent think
tanks, government bodies and other policy stakeholders have been addressing the topic
in recent years. The aim of this conference was to embrace this emerging area of research,
sharing knowledge and expertise in order to explore the influence that product longevity
has on environmental, economic and social sustainability.
A multi-disciplinary approach to this topic is vital and contributions were thus invited from
scholars from a range of backgrounds, including design, geography, anthropology,
business management, economics, marketing, consumer behaviour, sociology and politics.
The programme has been structured around seven themes:
 Design approaches to product longevity
 The role of product longevity in resource efficiency and waste reduction
 Strategies for product lifetime optimisation
 Cultural perspectives on the throwaway society
 Business opportunities, economic implications and marketing strategies
 Consumer influences on product lifetimes
 Policies, regulation and legislation.
Around 100 proposals for papers were submitted to the organisers in the form of abstracts.
Following a peer review process, just under two thirds of these resulted in papers accepted
for publication in the proceedings. We were very impressed by the quality of many papers
and are grateful to have had contributions from researchers from many disciplines and 16
countries across five continents.
As editors of these proceedings, we are delighted to put together this collection of
thoughtful papers on the topic of product lifetimes in the context of sustainability. We are
confident that the proceedings will help to nurture discussion and debate on this important
topic, as well as contribute to the growing academic knowledge in the field.

Tim Cooper, Naomi Braithwaite, Mariale Moreno and Giuseppe Salvia (Joint Editors)

Gli artefatti sono intrinsecamente destinati ad accompagnare la vita degli individui, contribuend... more Gli artefatti sono intrinsecamente destinati ad accompagnare la vita degli individui, contribuendo a palesarne l'identità. Sono entità vive e mutevoli, che possono cambiare dinamicamente il loro aspetto o perfino la loro funzione. Così come rughe, cicatrici o nèi costituiscono una testimonianza del passaggio del tempo e delle esperienze per l'uomo, analogamente usura, ingiallimento e difetti sono sintomatici dell'evoluzione e dell'unicità dell'artefatto.
Le imperfezioni divengono elementi narrativi, che raccontano il vissuto specifico dell'artefatto, le sue peculiarità e l'uso che ne è stato fatto. Così l'imperfezione diviene un valore da ricercare, come era avvenuto in Oriente con l'influsso del wabi sabi, la "bellezza delle cose mutevoli, imperfette e temporanee". "Imperfetto" è assunto come sinonimo di reale, naturale, inevitabile, umano.
Attribuire valore all'imperfezione significa progettare prodotti capaci di invecchiare, di modificarsi, di essere riparati; significa stimolare il legame emotivo tra utente e prodotto, allungarne il ciclo di vita e, soprattutto, accettare la presenza di una variabile non controllabile che spesso "cambia il finale del racconto".
Il libro indaga il valore attribuibile alle imperfezioni degli oggetti, proponendole come sintomi di un'inequivocabile unicità, fautrici del rafforzamento del legame emotivo, nel tempo e nello spazio, in una dialettica fra passato e contemporaneità, fra cultura orientale e fermento occidentale.

La Natura è assimilabile ad un pregevole progetto, frutto di processi evolutivi perpetuatisi per ... more La Natura è assimilabile ad un pregevole progetto, frutto di processi evolutivi perpetuatisi per quasi 4 miliardi di anni, tali per cui la continua ottimizzazione degli organismi ha generato materiali, strutture e meccanismi di mirabile efficacia, spesso superiore ai corrispondenti artefatti umani, soprattutto dal punto di vista ambientale.
Il libro, Il Progetto della Natura, è il risultato del percorso di ricerca per la diffusione dell'approccio biomimetico nella progettazione, che trae ispirazione proprio dagli organismi naturali per la realizzazione di prodotti e processi avanzati in molteplici livelli (prestazionale, tecnologico, ambientale, economico...) e ambiti applicativi (prodotti industriali, tessile e abbigliamento, architettura e costruzioni).
Le potenzialità dell'approccio biomimetico vengono illustrate attraverso una vasta esemplificazione dei casi applicativi ed espedienti più significativi.
La trattazione del tema comprende inoltre una panoramica sugli approcci, le istituzioni di maggior rilievo e gli strumenti basilari per avviare la progettazione bioispirata attraverso l'indicazione di riviste specializzate, blog di divulgazione e scambio, nonché database mirati a sostenere i progettisti della prossima "era biomorfica".

One third of all energy used today powers the globally connected production industries that make ... more One third of all energy used today powers the globally connected production industries that make the
buildings, infrastructure, vehicles, equipment and other goods that support the everyday activities of
UK citizens. Most of this energy is used efficiently to produce large volumes of a few bulk materials, so
a key opportunity to reduce global ‘greenhouse gas’ (GHG) emissions is to decrease the demand for
these materials. This report presents a holistic view of this opportunity for the UK.

Co-authored with Jonathan B Norman, André Cabrera Serrenho, Samuel J G Cooper, Anne Owen, Marco S... more Co-authored with Jonathan B Norman,
André Cabrera Serrenho, Samuel J G Cooper, Anne Owen,
Marco Sakai, Kate Scott, Paul E Brockway, Simone Cooper,
Jannik Giesekam, Giuseppe Salvia, Jonathan M. Cullen,
John R Barrett, Tim Cooper, Geoffrey P Hammond, Julian
M Allwood

Sustainable Consumption: Design, Innovation and Practice

Amateurs committed to self-production (i.e. DIY) are reshaping the relationship between productio... more Amateurs committed to self-production (i.e. DIY) are reshaping the relationship between production and consumption, leading to a ‘new DIY age’ (Hoftijzer 2009). The spreading of this trend suggests scenarios in which non-professional people are, or will be, able to create artefacts supported by innovative technologies, networks and, perhaps, companies with new business models. Easy access for consumers to the production system could lead to inefficient resource use and increased waste, however, and so the sustainability of this trend has been debated. Nonetheless, recent research by Salvia (2013) envisages this contemporary self-production phenomena as a ‘window of opportunity’ to foster positive environmental and social impact, through activities intended to prolong product lifetimes, e.g. re-using, re-pairing, re-purposing and re-appropriating—collectively named RE-DIY. This chapter addresses the role of design as catalyst for sustainable RE-DIY. Four scenarios portray the possible role of professional designers as educators or facilitators in the relationship with RE-DIY practitioners, at both a global and local scale. On the basis of a review of the current ‘state of the art’, cases of design-led sustainable initiatives promoting RE-DIY are explored to highlight the potential and feasibility of novel relationships between producers and consumers . Finally, barriers to the evolution of RE-DIY towards sustainable patterns are identified and discussed, and triggers for scaling up this practice on a broader societal level are proposed

The Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Design, Nov 5, 2015

Paolo Ulian. Research Experiences in Design

An estimated two million tonnes of electric and electronic equipment (EEE) are discarded annually... more An estimated two million tonnes of electric and electronic equipment (EEE) are discarded annually in the UK. Vacuum cleaners (VCs) account for the second largest embodied greenhouse gases emissions of EEE, due primarily to high sales volumes and faster replacement cycles. With a lifespan expectancy of 5 to 11 years, the actual average lifespan of VCs is shorter than 5.
A Defra funded research project attempts to increase the understanding of factors determining the faster replacement of VCs in order to optimise product longevity through design intervention. The results of a survey with 507 respondents in the UK reveals replacement motivations. The majority of the respondents discarded their VC because it did not work at all or efficiently suggesting that unreliability and low quality are the main reasons for replacement.
A European regulation has recently introduced minimum requirements for VCs; the motor for example, is expected to last around 10 years. However, the contrasting reaction of manufacturers and users, together with the evidence that a good number of disposed VCs are still in good working condition, or easily repairable, indicates that more complex motivations trigger the replacement of VCs. The aim of this contribution is to shed light on these motivations.
Replacement can be triggered by dissatisfaction with the VC. Low suction and noise, for example, are the most annoying aspects identified when vacuuming; these are, however, often related to improper use and poor maintenance. Proper care through use and maintenance are integral to prolonging the technical lifespan of a VC.
VCs may be perceived as disposable commodities that are not worth the care and attention of the user. Although the majority of respondents would consider repairing their VC in the case of failure, in reality only a fraction actually did repair one. Several barriers to repair have been identified in literature, namely cost, dissatisfaction and trust in the repairer. Aggressive marketing further prompts replacement over repair.
Some respondents replaced the VC because they desired a new one, perhaps prompted by the aging of the machine’s appearance or the dust trapped in its components. Perception of disgust or performance loss may be decisive if hygiene is involved.
Promoting the change towards sustainable patterns of consumption might require radical interventions that dig into the relationship between the user and the machine, or in other words with the human and non-human subjects. Users of VCs appear resistant to the maintenance requirements for an optimal, durable and performing machine.
As machines, VCs have been envisaged as almost ‘magic’ items for cleaning or as ‘mechanical servants’. Humans have delegated to VCs not just the task of cleaning the floors but also the wish of their self-maintenance. The expectation is not met and the machine, as a tool, becomes visible when it breaks demanding the attention that the human has tried to avoid by delegating the task to a machine.

The durability of electric and electronic equipment EEE (such as vacuum cleaners and washing mach... more The durability of electric and electronic equipment EEE (such as vacuum cleaners and washing machines) fails to meet user’s expectance. However, a good number of disposed items is still in good working condition or easily repairable. It can be inferred that still working EEE are thrown away because perceived as ‘irremediably’ broken. The talk will address how user’s perception of EEE as ‘mechanical servants’ contributes to the lack of interest in maintenance and ‘brokenness’ is not intrinsic to the object but shared with its user.

Craft Consumers, Lead Users, Prosumers, Professional Amateurs and Creative Communities are reshap... more Craft Consumers, Lead Users, Prosumers, Professional Amateurs and Creative Communities are reshaping the relationship between production and consump-tion, leading to a ‘new DIY age’ according to Hoftijzer (2009). The spreading of this trend towards self-production – ‘DIY Design’ – suggests imminent scenarios in which non-professional people are (or will be) able to create artefacts supported by innovative technologies (e.g. 3D printers), community platforms (e.g. open-source projects) and even business models (e.g. consumer customization).
DIY is defined here as a more democratic design process and production activ-ity, carried out with greater involvement from the end user (Atkinson, 2006). However, the easy access for consumers to the production system could lead to inefficient consumption of resources and increased waste, so that the sustainabil-ity of this trend has been debated (Troxler, in Abel et al., 2011). DIY Design may represent either a threat or an opportunity in the design field.
Recently concluded research by Salvia (2013) envisaged this contemporary self-production phenomena as a ‘window of opportunity’ to foster a sustainable impact through, for example, personal growth, community empowerment and waste reduction. The research focused on self-production activities intended to prolong product lifetimes by re-using, re-pairing, re-purposing, and re-appropriating – collectively named RE-DIY. As a result, the perceived satisfaction gained by practicing DIY Design has been inferred as the crucial component nur-turing the practice, equally perceived by practitioners although at different levels of interest and commitment. The question is then how to align the current self-production trend with sustainability targets.
The qualitative analysis of the components of current RE-DIY practice through the perspective of practice theory (Shove, 2006) identified three promis-ing elements in levering sustainable advantages: the sources for collection of arti-facts, the suitability of the place where the practice is performed, and the means of gathering information. The crucial contribution from designers, as a catalyst for sustainable RE-DIY Design, has been envisaged. Four scenarios have been produced to suggest and test the role of professional designers as educators or fa-cilitators in the relationship with DIY Designers, in both a global and local scale. On the basis of a review of the current ‘state of art’, remarkable cases of design-led sustainable initiatives promoting RE-DIY Design were found to highlight the potential and feasibility of novel relationships between producers and consumers.
The four proposed design-led scenarios of production and consumption set the conditions for the dialogue with DIY Designers by targeting business opportunities in environmentally and socially sustainable practices by:
1. assisting RE-DIY designers over the creative process,
2. co-designing with municipalities for citizen engagement,
3. designing ‘enabling solutions’,
4. networking with activists, researchers, professionals and DIY designers.
The major contribution to the SCORAI workshop is discussing the potential of DIY Design and its transition from niche to the upper levels of socio-technical re-gimes in its momentum.

The research explores approaches for designers to help foster sustainable patterns of production... more The research explores approaches for designers to help foster
sustainable patterns of production and consumption (SPC),
through the involvement of final users in the creative process of
making artefacts she or he will use and consume. To the
purpose, appealing and satisfactory –beyond sustainable–
solutions have to be proposed to users. The strategy described
in this paper attempts to generate a condition of “flow”
[Csikszentmihalyi, 1990] through the practice of Do-It-Yourself
(DIY). « DIY constitutes a significant but unexplored domain
both of consumption and practice. [...and] Second, DIY is a field
in which the relation between tool, materials and competence is
plainly significant. As such it allows us to investigate the
characteristics and qualities of specific combinations of skill and
consumer goods » [Watson and Shove, 2006].
Building on these ideas I speculate on the potential for
developing a Sustainable Product Service System (S-PSS)
designed to allow bricoleurs, amateurs, professionals, prosumers
... to take part in self-designing/ producing/ repairing/
upgrading/ repurposing or re-interpreting (domestic) artefacts
by themselves and in collaboration with the other members of
the community.

The research investigates the potential of the objective anticipation of fabrics’ sensorial prop... more The research investigates the potential of the objective anticipation of fabrics’ sensorial properties. Sensoriality represents a key-factor in textiles field and the possibility in determining subjective perceptions is assumed as an opportunity for competitiveness. In accordance with purpose, the research group first identified the most influential sensorial properties (i.e. softness, smoothness and warmth) and we associated them to subjective perceptions. Then we collected a significant sampling of fabrics and measured physical mechanical objective properties through both conventional and experimental tests. Finally, we compared tests results to users’ rankings. A group of 11 panellists – dived in three groups according to their own professional background – assessed sensorial properties of the sampling of fabrics in mono- (only sight and only touch) and multisensorial (both sight and touch) session. Recurring to statistical analysis methods, we verified the mechanical property – if present – best anticipating specific sensorial information. Two main results are sharing of subjective perceptions even among users with different background and a specific combination of two objective properties as reliable parameter for softness sensorial anticipation. The research group also attempted to propose a set of tools to make available the potential of the obtained results. To the purpose the concept of both sensorial Atlas of fabrics and softness label are here presented.

Sensorial and emotional loads, which are strongly correlated to the acceptability of fabrics to u... more Sensorial and emotional loads, which are strongly correlated to the acceptability of fabrics to users and the pleasure users derive from them, represent a decisive factor in the application of textiles. For the past few years this research group has been investigating modalities to define and predict sensoriality on the basis of objective parameters and tests. In the current phase of research a broader panel of test subjects has been constituted to verify and further investigate previous results. The panel includes professional figures, foreigners, blind people and laypeople. As well as this, the adoption of experimental mechanical tests aimed at replicating users’ skin properties and procedures in valuing the hand of fabrics has led to new findings and further improvements. Reliable results have been obtained for the prediction of sensorial properties such as softness, smoothness and lightness on the basis of specific objective tests. The most novel contributions derive from investigations in the field of neurosciences. Panelists were monitored in their physiological parameters (skin-resistance and heart-rate) and sight directions (eye-tracking) while assessing fabrics to identify task difficulty rankings and exploratory paths.

Participation is a common feature of research and social design projects, between academics and d... more Participation is a common feature of research and social design projects, between academics and designers and communities. There are many reasons for participatory research and design in that it, for example, reduces power imbalances between academics and citizens and helps produce projects that are relevant to the real world. There are however concerns that participation in research, especially young people are involved, is not as real or as substantive as is claimed and instead there is a form of contrived participation or compliance. There are many reasons why this is the case but we focus on two:

1. Academics are under pressure to develop clear plans of what they intend to do to get funding and ethical clearance, and there is pressure that the research is successfully implemented creating high-impact and robust academic findings. Thus when the research begins and the participants participate what they are asked to do tends to be predefined and there is a hope that they will fulfil their roles to make sure things run to plan (Fox 2007, 2013; Dentith et al. 2009).

2. When young people participate in research, there is a tendency for researchers to perceive and engage with them in terms of their deficits rather than their abilities and assets. So a participatory project might work with a group of young people to teach them how to be an artist or a designer. Some argue that this is a form of control of young people, trying to make them fit into the project and by extension what they researcher wants the project to be (Foucault 1997, Vromen and Collin 2010).
The aim of the research project is to work with and treat young people in terms of the skills, knowledge and assets they already posses and seek to create ways of working that help them self-organise to do things they would like to do. We will work with two groups of young people with impressive skills and abilities in DIY digital making (Manchester Coder Dojo) and self-organisation (Woodcraft Folk). The research focuses on how we as adult researchers learn from cutting-edge design practice to create a space that supports the young people to self-organise. It is important to recognise that the intention of the research is not a 'let the pieces fall where they may' experiment of whether young people can self-organise - this question has been answered and young people can do this admirably. Instead, we will pose a 'challenge' involving a series of conditions (i.e., your parents must let you do the activity) and ask them to self-organise to do something they want to do and give them a budget of £3,000.

The research will have two components, from the adult researcher and young person perspective.
1. As researchers we will carry out participant observations of how the young people respond to the challenge of self-organising and whether this is an effective way of bringing young people together and avoiding contrived participation. Then, after the research, we will write autoethnographic accounts of how we as adult researchers engaged with the challenges of letting go of the power in research situations to young people.
2. As part of the challenge we will ask the young people to record and document what they did and how they did it. We do not want to impose any particular way of researching on them. We hope they will use a range of print and digital media to share what they did and why, which we will curate appropriately to celebrate their achievements.
From the research we will produce an academic paper and a two-page findings report to share with practitioners.

The UK INDEMAND Centre, announced in November 2012 in the UK Government's 'Energy Efficiency Stra... more The UK INDEMAND Centre, announced in November 2012 in the UK Government's 'Energy Efficiency Strategy', is one of six national research centres on End Use Energy Demand reduction. With £6.2m initial funding from the RCUK Energy Programme, and commitments of over £5m from the founding project partners, the UK INDEMAND Centre aims to enable delivery of significant reductions in the use of both energy and energy-intensive materials in the Industries that supply the UK’s physical needs. This aim recognises that most energy used in industry is required for the highly efficient production of stock materials. Around 30 full-time research staff at four leading Universities will work to reveal the strategies that would lead to a step change reduction in UK demand for materials, and the policy and business conditions under which these strategies would become attractive. The planned outputs of the UK INDEMAND Centre include technical innovations to deliver material savings in production and design, demonstrations of the business case for material efficiency accounting for purchasing preferences, policy recommendations based on business, sector and trade analysis, and information tools to support well-informed decision making.

Description This research project will increase understanding of consumers’ perceptions of dirt,... more Description
This research project will increase understanding of consumers’ perceptions of dirt, damage and maintenance in the context of product life-times and trial strategies for resource efficiency based on design for product longevity. The focus will be on vacuum cleaners, but the findings will be explored in relation to other consumer products that are significantly affected by dirt, ranging from computer keyboards to bicycles.

Objective
The primary objectives of the research are:

I. To investigate consumer perceptions of dirtiness and brokenness using vacuum cleaners as a case study, including how they define quality/durability, cleanliness, efficiency and performance, and to identify the real motivations for replacement and the barriers to good maintenance.
II. To verify the consistency between consumers’ perception and the actual status of discarded vacuum cleaners and to classify perceived dirtiness and brokenness in relation to people’s attitudes to cleanliness and maintenance.
III. To plan and trial design interventions to improve maintainability and longevity of vacuum cleaners, fostering the active engagement of consumers and manufacturers to make more with less for longer.
IV. To make recommendations relating to other products susceptible to dirt, including policy, based on findings from the interventions.

Time-Scale and Cost

From: 2014
To: 2015

Cost: £137,108

The significance of product lifetimes to sustainable development is increasingly recognised due ... more The significance of product lifetimes to sustainable
development is increasingly recognised due to evidence that shortlived
products imply an unsustainable throughput of materials in
industrial economies, concern at the waste generated, and
frustration among consumers when products prove unduly or
unexpectedly short-lived. Historical and technical studies represent
valuable contributions to recent literature but the broader picture
remains less clear. The paper thus locates knowledge about
product longevity within prevailing discourse on sustainable
development, framing its analysis around the three pillars of
environmental, economic and social sustainability. A
comprehensive and systematic literature review revealed around
275 relevant publications. A matrix was then developed to
represent the state of knowledge in relation to potential areas of
enquiry. Finally an overview of disciplinary knowledge revealed
further research needed to guide policy and practice toward
product lifetimes.