Eco-Efficient Product Design Using Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) Principles

Problem statement: In recent years, much attention has been focused on the eco-efficiency of product development. The majority of environmental decisions are only made in the later stages of product development where not much modification can be done. To produce eco-efficient products, environmental decisions ought to be considered in the early stages of product development. With the demand of developing more eco-efficient products, designers are found to be lacking the appropriate design tools and guidelines. Approach: Products were designed to solve problems. Therefore, we suggest the usage of the 40 principles of TRIZ to generate eco-efficient product designs. The 40 principles of TRIZ is one of the fundamental tools of TRIZ. We studied the design features of different water filters, washing machines and power drills to correlate the elements of eco-efficiency and the principles of TRIZ. Results: From the case studies, it was shown that there is a correlation between eco-efficient elements and TRIZ principles in existing products. The information obtained from the product case studies alongside with the study of the individual TRIZ principles resulted in the formation of a new tool. This new tool was called the TRIZEE Design Tool. After that, literature review on the commonly practiced design methodologies were carried out. A new methodology termed TRIZEE Design Methodology was developed. New tools and existing tools were incorporated within this methodology. Conclusion: We proved that there is a correlation between eco-efficient elements and the 40 principles of TRIZ. Through this research, a new design methodology is also formed to that can be a guideline for designers.