:: Eco-Design Tools - Print Version
Design
Abacus -
download
a blank printable Design Abacus
A
qualitative method of analysis
used
to identify areas for improvement, again can
be used individually or as a group.
Used to rate a product on social, economic and environmental areas, in both the
analysis and planning of a design.
The
activity
•
Each individual or group needs a few blank abacus sheets.
• Identify a number of issues
surrounding social, economic or environmental areas and decide on which issue
you would like to address
• Write each issue down, the
ideal condition is listed at the top and the worst condition at the bottom
e.g.
for
'end of life' the ideal condition is easy to
disassemble & the worst case is difficult to disassemble.
• Estimate how good or bad the current product
in each
area, and how confident you are.
• Draw a line to
connect
all the scores in the issues area and confidence levels.
The Abacus is useful when:
•
Comparing
two products or designs, using
different pen colours.
Click here to download a
printable
Blank Abacus or a
Completed Abacus
evaluating CD-Cases