EDC launch network on ecodesign and sustainability for product designers in Wales

Following the feasibility study undertaken by EDC, The Welsh Assembly Government has supported the development of a knowledge exchange network for ecodesign and eco-innovation in Wales. This network will be a strategically significant activity as it will incorporate the Welsh Assembly Government priorities of sustainable development, creating an innovative region and developing the creative industries.

The network will exchange knowledge on methodologies, management frameworks and processes for designing products and services in a sustainable manner. The network will also exchange knowledge on the application and use of potentially more sustainable materials (e.g. biopolymers), technologies (e.g. flexible solar cells) and business models (e.g. product service systems).

The network will take an innovative approach to knowledge exchange through the facilitation of a series of inspirational seminars with leading ecodesign practitioners from industry alongside practical, collaborative and multi-disciplinary “design camps”. The key components of the KEP will include;

• tri-monthly inspirational seminars based around key knowledge themes outlined above alongside additional themes originating from the feasibility study workshops
• a series of collaborative and multi-disciplinary “design camps”
• web 2.0 platform for ongoing knowledge exchange and outreach
• study visits (these may be in conjunction with design challenges)
• exhibition at the 2010 Cardiff Design Festival

The main outcomes from this network will be that professional designers in Wales have the capacity to apply ecodesign thinking in the development of new products and services. This will also be long-lasting, active and supportive network of designers that can develop collaborative R&D projects.