Routledge Research in Product Design – serie

This book offers a new approach to design theory and practice that draws on Indigenous knowledges, methodologies and methods, presenting concepts of decolonising and Indigenous design that are interweaved as theory, storytelling, and practices.The arena of design sustainability, social design, and innovation has been a site of debate since the 1960s. Yet, the ways in which design has redefined this complex realm has not directly addressed Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and doing, which could be of paramount importance to the transformation of the design field and beyond in creative practices. In response, this book offers valuable insights into how design practitioners can incorporate Indigenous practices to decolonise education, research, and design, and dismantle colonised paradigms, ways of thinking and practice in design. This approach is presented through storytelling, theory, methodology, methods, and practical examples to enlighten the reader. The book proposes a transformation in the role designers play, through understanding relationality between people, land, and the immaterial, while giving voice and agency to the land and waters, Our Mother Earth. Design is considered as a way to harness opportunities through the deep connection between people and Place, and the book critically promotes a more contextual and dynamic understanding of decolonising and Indigenising design practices and spaces through relational design.This book will be useful for students and scholars studying in the fields of design, art, architecture, culture, decolonising methodologies, biocultural diversity, and design beyond human and materiality.

This groundbreaking book introduces the Quality Life Cycle Assessment (QLCA) model – a novel approach that integrates product quality assessment and life cycle assessment (LCA) in sustainable manufacturing.By incorporating environmental criteria alongside quality considerations during the virtual prototyping phase, the QLCA model revolutionizes decision-making for sustainable product development. This book bridges the gap between product improvement and LCA application, addressing the critical need for sustainability in modern manufacturing. Leveraging digital technologies such as Big Data, Data Analytics, and Digital Twin, this book demonstrates how to construct virtual product models with comprehensive LCA integration. The QLCA model, particularly suited for smart factories, supports innovation and informed decision-making in sustainable product development.Aimed at students, research and development managers, and engineers, this volume offers practical guidance on balancing customer satisfaction with environmental impact throughout a product's life cycle. By elucidating the application of LCA in product life cycle assessment and its combination with quality considerations during prototyping, this book provides invaluable insights for practitioners navigating the complexities of sustainable manufacturing in the digital age.