Technical Product Optimisation a new course integrating DfA and LCA
Year: 2011
Editor: Kovacevic, Ahmed, Ion, William, McMahon, Chris, Buck, Lyndon and Hogarth, Peter
Author: Langeveld, Lau
Series: E&PDE
Section: Sustainable and Universal Design
Page(s): 331-336
Abstract
Technical Product Optimisation (TPO) is a second year course of the Bachelor of Industrial Design Engineering [1] at Delft University of Technology. The course has a DfA and an LCA practical exercise. The results of both exercises were poor on content and enthusiasm. Two important aspects play a role in this: the time pressure and the same tasks for both exercises. The integrating of DfA with LCA is necessary for better results and has a side-effect that students come from passive to active involvement. The integrated exercise was carried out in groups of four students. The student groups are doing tasks together and also a reasonable time separated in couples of two. The student groups get a consumer product to make the DfA and LCA analysis for making a redesign. The experiment was an overwhelming success. The quality of reporting was high. Active student involvement in the exercise leads to creative solutions. A key aim of technical education is motivating students through interesting and engaging tasks. Moreover the objective is also to ensure that doing alone is not emphasized but writing on reflective note on the experience.
Keywords: DfA, LCA, Optimisation, Design education