Exploring the Interplay of Cost, Experience, and Environmental Innovation Practices on Sustainable Product Development: An Experimental Approach
Keywords:
cost precision, environmental innovation practices, sustainable new product designAbstract
This study investigates the effects of cost precision, designer experience, and environmental innovation practices on sustainable new product design in an experimental setting. Using a sample of undergraduate students as surrogates for product designers, participants were tasked with developing eco-friendly dollhouse prototypes using LEGO blocks. A 2x2x2 factorial design was employed to examine the main and interaction effects of cost precision (high vs. low), designer experience (high vs. low), and the presence of environmental innovation practices (supportive vs. non-supportive) on sustainability scores of the designs.
Results from a three-way ANOVA revealed a significant three-way interaction effect, indicating that the combined influence of cost precision, designer experience, and environmental practices significantly impacts sustainability outcomes. However, main effects for cost precision, designer experience, and environmental practices were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that the interplay between these factors is crucial in promoting sustainable design choices. The study aligns with prospect theory, which posits that precise cost information can mitigate loss aversion, facilitating environmentally friendly design decisions.
While the results contribute valuable insights into the dynamics of sustainable product design, limitations include the use of undergraduate students and a controlled laboratory setting. Future research should expand the sample to include professional designers and explore additional contextual factors influencing sustainable practices. This study underscores the importance of understanding how cost information and contextual support can drive sustainability in new product development.
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