collaborative product design

MCAD // MASD // FALL 2023

This course taught sustainable design innovation through tools like systems thinking, life-cycle assessment (LCA), and eco-labeling (Cradle to Cradle, EPEAT). Students worked in multidisciplinary teams to redesign real products for companies, developing skills in product rendering, material choice, and green innovation techniques to achieve measurable sustainability improvements.

Learnings

Apply systems thinking and LCA tools
Use Cradle to Cradle and EPEAT standards
Create professional product renderings
Redesign existing products with sustainability focus
Collaborate on real-world design projects

project: Leatherman

This collaborative project aimed to create a polished, client-ready presentation showcasing sustainable design improvements for Leatherman. The team developed three innovative approaches, considering Leatherman’s target audience, brand language, local resource accessibility, and return & repair programs. The presentation featured visuals, sketches, certifications, LCA results, and decision matrices, presented directly to the client in a cohesive, engaging narrative.