A “FOOTPRINT PROBLEM” AS A DESIGN PROBLEM

DupuisSoc 115

My footprint problem

My car as my main method of transportation Use of fossil fuels is unsustainable Resources used for infrastructure to

support automobile transportation Incredible amount of energy for

transporting one person Amount of energy/materials going into

the making and distribution of automobiles

“Sensemaking” a design problem

Anticipating use of my personal car creates

my expectations for other modes of transportation

Transportation system is designed to favor automobiles over mass transit

Connecting Feeling of freedom associated

with automobiles Social aspects: the road trip idea

Interpreting The design of more sustainable

transportation methods does not meet my expectations or provide the same connections

Reflection Feeling of frustration when using

mass transit Amtrak delays Unfriendly passengers Cost vs. benefit

Automobile transportation as the only easy method

Appropriating Disappointment/frustration when

without a car Recounting

Never hear positive stories of use of mass transit Only non-negative stories: random

people/events

What kind of design problem?

My use of cars as my main method of transportation is a design problem because, theoretically, sustainable automobiles or sustainable transportation methods could be created The design problem lies mainly in the use of fossil fuels

Even the most fuel efficient vehicles are unsustainable under current conditions

Production of vehicles using many metals, woods, and petroleum products is also unsustainable

The majority of car parts are not typically recycled to my knowledge

A Redesign to solve my problems

The unsustainable use of resources for transportation requires a massive redesign of both technologies and infrastructure Technologies

Engines using sustainable fuel or sustainable batteries Non-petroleum based products for tires, plastics, etc.

Infrastructure Roads must be redesigned

Even if all cars were sustainable, travelling would be impractical with ever-growing population and limited space

Refueling Some sort of battery changing / hydrogen refilling / sustainable

fuel selling business model must by designed and put in place all throughout the world