ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how design for sustainability can use systems innovation and a service view to achieve greater sustainability improvements. It focuses on how design is set to change, with the shift away from products towards services and how designers can influence the way in which 'functionality' is delivered to consumers. Eco-services are either closely related to products or else they substitute products. They can generally be divided into three categories and can be considered in the form of a 3-step matrix of: product-orientated services; use-orientated services; and need-orientated services. Consumer trends include the rise of mass-customisation whereby many products are customised to the requirements of the consumer. Industry trends include increasingly flexible production networks and lean organisations resulting from the fact that the consumers can decide which products are made and at which time in the durable goods sector. Trends in the service industry include increasing use of hard and software to raise service level.
