Sustainable Design: Creating Responsible Products and Services With Fans

Abstract

Design is a vital element of fandom and participatory cultures. By producing fan art, Fanfiction and costumes, fans not only express their passion for their favourite narratives but also express themselves creatively. Fans increasingly work towards fairer, responsible and regenerative design practices, which can also be conceptualised as ‘sustainable fandom’. This movement includes critical discourse around companies, knowledge sharing around production and consumption, and an interest in greening of one’s own fan activities. This also includes a critical perspective on the use of digital technologies and a mindfulness of digital circularity. Moreover, fans launch their own new sustainable products, services and communities.

This chapter brings together different theories of design and sustainability, and analyses sustainable developments in fan culture. Furthermore, I provide a tool, a Sustainable Fandom Canvas, which readers can use to analyse and innovate fan practices. This ideation tool can be used by companies to co-create with fans as well. After introducing the tool, I discuss into its three focal points (social benefits, ecological benefits and innovation) through different cases to provide examples of how this Canvas can be used. By providing these tools and perspectives, fans and organisations can be empowered to create sustainable solutions in their communities.