Exploring the relationship between attribute centrality and sustainability perception in eco-designed products

ABSTRACT:

This study explores how users perceive the centrality and sustainability of design attributes associated with modular design, energy efficiency, and design for disassembly, selected as illustrative eco-design strategies. 42 participants evaluated nine products through a bespoke online survey. The results show that salience and clarity of the environmental benefits associated with product attributes outweigh centrality in the perception of sustainability. This stresses the importance of clear and interpretable sustainability cues to improve users’ understanding of environmental performance.