Investigate New & Emerging Technologies A manufacturing company would like new ideas for designing and developing products using Smart Materials whilst also being aware of the environment. They require attractive and imaginative designs that solve problems such as: Sustainability Consumption Waste Product life cycle Identify a range of objects you might include in a handling collection to generate ideas to meet this brief and justify why.

Plastic bag vs Bag for Life. The shopping bag has become a symbol for consumerism no matter what material is used, and the battle between the bag for life and the plastic bag is a signifier of the ongoing struggle. This is included to try and get students to think about waste and consumption and to consider the role and responsibility of designers in consumerism.

A fleece made from recycled bottles. This is one of the earlier ‘smart materials’ and it signifies a materials role in a products life cycle and sustainability and the responsibilities of large companies in sustainable development.

A cleaning consumer product re-used as a safe. This is very simple DIY recycling and shows the re-use and re-appropriation of a familiar object. This will help students to develop an affinity with consumption and waste and develop a sense of humour.

An Electrical Circuit board. A very recognisable and familiar object found in abundance in every home and every landfill. It is included as it clearly demonstrates present and future technologies, waste and product life cycles with built in obsolescence. It is also now a mineable commodity.

Smart sports wear fashion. This will get students to discuss the role of textiles and the fashion industry in future technologies and to ask questions regarding ethical sustainability and product life cycle?

A biodegradable plant pot and a Wahaca chili business cards promotion. These are included as it clearly demonstrates the stance of a newer and successful company in their way of promotion that encourages the customer to be aware of the footprint of produce and to be actively involved in the growing process. It is a positive and fun example of responsibility in dealing with ‘sustainable development’ and product life cycle