| This dissertation is a qualitative research study of sustainable product design and globalization in the toy industry, with a focus on doll making. Sustainable product design is linked to systems of sustainable production and consumption, which ultimately support sustainable development. To initiate this research, a sustainable product was defined and criteria were developed for sustainable product design in the doll/toy industry. These criteria were used as a framework to conduct three case studies of doll making: the American Girl Doll produced in China, the Kathe Kruse Doll produced in Germany and the Q'ewar Project doll produced in Peru. The design and production of each doll was studied and analyzed using the sustainable product definition and criteria. Next, the three cases were compared and contrasted. From this analysis, themes emerged that have relevance for sustainable product design in and beyond the toy industry. These themes include: the value of making a product with "care"; designing work for human dignity; intentionality and vision for sustainability; materials choices and their implications; transparency and sustainability; and, economic challenges to sustainability. The results of this research indicate that for sustainable product design to be fully implemented, the product design process must consider the eco design principles of detoxification and dematerialization alongside the humanization principle, to ensure that the work environment where the product is made is safe and healthy and that local communities benefit from the production of the product. This puts increased responsibility on the industrial designer and also requires the involvement of engineers, production workers and management in the design process. This research also illustrates that the conditions under which products are made must be more visible to consumers. With accessible and understandable information about the risks and benefits of globalized production, consumers can make more informed decisions about the products they purchase. Corporations, government and activists have important roles to plan in supporting and implementing sustainable product design. |
