Technology and sustainability: A conceptual exploration through design

This Master's Degree Document discusses the conceptual design of a personal computer which addresses principles of Sustainable Development. Through the design of a personal computer, the project deals with the apparent contradictions between rapid technological progress in the computer industry and the need for a sustainable way of living.;Current sustainable development theory and initiatives were reviewed with respect to the areas of sustainable industry, material and energy use, social equity/community building and consumer purchasing. This overview, along with an investigation of current technologies and trends in the computer industry and the industrial design field, assisted in the development of a set of normative design objectives for the personal computer.;These objectives were then expanded to create a set of criteria for the design of the personal computer. The development of a future sustainable community context assists in establishing these criteria. Together, the objectives and criteria were used as guidelines during the design process.;At this point, a process is undertaken to design to a conceptual level the form and function of the computer which satisfies the objectives and criteria. Out of this process, a proposal is formulated for a new way in which computers can provide services to users. Material efficiency, user friendliness and community management are just some of the proposal's benefits.;The Document concludes by outlining several strategies for industrial designers addressing sustainable development issues in product design. Multi-disciplinary scenario sketching and a strategic product design approach are recommended to designers of rapidly evolving high technology products.