For environmental product optimisation, an interdisciplinary design team needs to mutually align and assess the physical- and human impacting factors of a product system. This paper argues that this optimisation can be supported by a fast ‘back of the envelope’ recurring inventory- and analysis based intervention strategy that timely aids team members adequately document, present, and mutually align and assess interrelated product aspects among relevant stakeholders from within and beyond the team. Various distinguished design phase related environmental activities and -contribution types can further aid tailor the strategy. The use of natural and uninterpretable language and methodical concepts, as well as support of non-designers in creation, visualisation, and selection endeavours are suggested for improving interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, design team assistance is requested in verifying the full environmental potential of a design brief and illustrating its potential corporate gains, as to stimulate clients too to aspire to environmental product impact minimalization.

Authors: Reino Veenstra, Henri C. Moll