Research Publications

The life cycle design framework developed at the University of Michigan guides the integration of environmental requirements into the manufacturing, use, and end-of-life stages of a product system. Elements of the life cycle design framework were applied in AT&T's product realization process for a business phone. This demonstration project tested the use of a multicriteria requirements matrix which includes environmental, performance, cost, cultural, and legal dimensions. Critical requirements that shape the design of the business phone were identified and life cycle design strategies used to resolve conflicts between these requirements are highlighted in this paper. In addition, challenges in implementing life cycle design such as insufficient environmental data and lack of consensus on environmental assessment are discussed.