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1> Using the obvious ideas collected during the D4S Impact Assessment and D4S driver evaluation; 2> Using the D4S strategy wheel for brainstorming; 3> Using the D4S rules of thumb; and/or 4> Other creativity techniques. 1> Ideas from the D4S Impact Assessment and D4S drivers During the analysis of the D4S Impact Matrix and the D4S drivers, obvious improvement options have been collected on Worksheet R7.
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2> Brainstorming with the D4S strategy wheel The D4S strategy wheel can be used to identify suitable design strategy directions as well as to stimulate the generation of new ideas. With this in mind, the 7 D4S strategies have been extended with sub-strategies, as summarised below. 1> Selection of low-impact materials that are; a_ Cleaner b_ Renewable c_ Have lower energy content d_ Recycled e_ Recyclable f_ Have a positive social impact, (e.g., generate local income) 2> Reduction of materials use: a_ Weight b_ Volume (transport) 3> Optimisation of production techniques: a_ Alternative techniques b_ Fewer steps c_ Lower and cleaner energy use d_ Less waste e_ Fewer and cleaner materials used to support the production process f_ Safety and cleanliness of workplace 4> Optimisation of distribution system: a_ Less, cleaner, and reusable packaging b_ Energy efficient transport mode c_ Energy efficient logistics d_ Involve local suppliers 5> Reduction of impact during use: a_ Lower energy use b_ Cleaner energy source c_ Fewer consumables needed
d_ Cleaner consumables e_ Health supporting and/or added social value 6> Optimisation of product lifetime: a_ Reliability and durability b_ Easier maintenance and repair c_ Modular product structure d_ Classic design e_ Strong product-user relationship f_ Involve local maintenance and service systems 7> Optimisation of end-of-life systems: a_ Re-use of product b_ Remanufacturing/refurbishing c_ Recycling of materials d_ Safer incineration e_ Taking into consideration local (informal) collection/ recycling systems > Organise a brainstorming session and come up with options to improve product sustainability using selected D4S strategies. > Worksheet 6 Box 4-2 provides examples of products developed with each of these strategies. These examples aim to further illustrate the specific strategy, not to present the perfect product with an integral low score based on a complete LCA. 3> Rules of thumb for D4S strategies ‘Rules of thumb’ have been formulated for each of the 7 D4S strategies. An overview of these rules can be found on the web (See Module E). > Check the D4S rules of thumb on the web to see if they stimulate other improvement options. > Worksheet R7 4> Apply other creativity techniques In addition to the improvements derived from the previous steps, it also makes sense to apply other creativity techniques to generate improvement options. ‘Creativity thinking’ is an expression used to describe different ways of thinking that can lead to new ideas. Creativity techniques can inspire a team to generate ‘crazy’ ideas, but even ‘crazy’ ideas can lead to useful concepts. Module D on the web provides several creativity techniques.