HENRIK LUNDERBYE
THE GENERATIONAL TABEL
A master thesis on how sustainability can be integrated in a design process model.
The 5 Ws
What: A table that combines aesthetic minimalism and timelessness coupled with distinctive features, that enhance daily life and the overall dining experience.
Why: The consumer market is facing many challenges such as greenwashing, climate neutrality concerns and unsustainable consumption behaviours. By providing the market with sustainable products that have given attention to sustainability factors whilst being transparent in their communication of their sustainability efforts, a positive change is certain.
Where: This is the result of a my master thesis at the University of Gävle.
When: Spring, 2023
Who: Myself
Research gap
One identified research gap is the limited knowledge on how to design and manufacture consumer products in an environmentally and climate friendly way and at the same time attract consumers. The purpose of the study is to problematize sustainable design and consumption and develop a model for a sustainability integrated design process
Ideation
Sustainability factors have been taken into account during the sketching stage by considering how the chosen material (wood) could be optimised to its full potential and how the material will age (Rognoli & Karana, 2014) and how the design could foster stronger emotional connections by creating emotionally durable furniture (Haug, 2018). The essence of the timelessness factor has been attempted by sketching harmonious, smooth and uncomplicated designs that are both in balance and conformity with each other
The 2-4 sustainability design process method
Designers are well-equipped with their own methods and tools for solving complex problems. However, many existing sustainable design process models fail to account for the unique culture of designers and their approach to problem-solving (Lofthouse, 2006). Extensive tools and checklists can overwhelm designers, adding more requirements to an already demanding design brief. The 2-4 sustainability design process model aligns with the process and culture of designers, but with the crucial distinction that sustainability takes precedence in each decision-making step.
Lessons learned
The duration of this project was lasted for over six months and the lessons I take with me are countless. The main take away from the master thesis is how you can combine design and sustainability and still include softer values that are often forgotten. I've also learned that