More specifically, the Environmental Apparel Design Tool reportedly gives each design an overall score, and then allows designers to tweak specific aspects of their work to improve the score, according to Nike. Built over the course of seven years, and at a cost of $6 million, it’s hard to believe that the company is making a version of the tool available for public use – but it is.
And, it’s available here: www.nikebiz.com/responsibility/nikeenvironmentaldesigntool.
Designers can also register for upcoming webinars on the Environmental Apparel Design Tool at: www.nikebiz.com/responsibility/nikeenvironmentaldesigntool.
How does it work? According to a recent article on the subject, designers simply “plug in what materials they're using, how much recycled or organic content they have, any treatments being done, how much waste will be left over from cutting the design out, and some other details, and the tool gives the design a score, which can fall into one of the following categories: 'needs improvement,' 'good,' 'better,' or 'best.'" Sounds almost too easy. Then, again, perhaps a great deal of effort was put into the tool in order to make it easy to use. Keep in mind, that by testing the tool out, and providing your feedback, you can make it even easier to use, and more useful.
But it gets even better. In addition to the Environmental Apparel Design Tool, Nike will also be releasing its Footwear Design Tool, Material Assessment Tool and Water Assessment Tool in 2011.
Now, really – what more could you ask for? These tools are free, good for the environment, and developed to help designers create better, more environmentally-friendly products. So, if you’re involved in designing footwear or apparel, go ahead – treat yourself! The Environmental Apparel Design Tool just might be one of the best presents you get this year. It can help you design more sustainable products and help make the world a better place!
Do you have what it takes to design sustainable products? Or wish you did? Tell us more. By taking this short survey, you’ll be helping to shed light on this very important – and often highly debated – topic. Whether you’re a sustainability expert or just beginning your journey – your feedback is invaluable.
It’s all part of next-generation product design, a topic that is explored in greater detail in our upcoming research study, “Sustainability and the Product Lifecycle: A Report on the Opportunities, Challenges and Best Practices for Sustainable Product Design and Manufacturing.”
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