A Case Study of University–Industry Collaboration for Sustainable Furniture Design

Abstract

This paper describes the importance of including a Human-Centred Design (HCD) approach for successful university–industry collaboration. We detail user surveys and user evaluation techniques to engage end-users for the rejuvenation of manufacturing industries through sustainable product development. There are numerous studies describing the importance of university–industry collaboration; however, very few portray the detailed working relationships necessary to fulfil both the university and the industry agenda. This paper explores a joint project between a prominent Melbourne-based university and a government organisation from Malaysia. The intention was to innovate a range of furniture for Malaysian dormitories to stimulate the local manufacturing sector and provide high-value product applications for Malaysia’s abundant timber sector. By detailing a HCD approach, we reveal how to better direct the design outcomes to accurately reflect the research intent. This is detailed through a case study showing how the research data was translated into final product concepts influenced by end-users and collaboration with the industry stakeholders. The resulting products are a range of sustainable, modular dormitory furniture with a direct route to market. Finally, we provide the lessons learned and suggestions for developing sustainable products through university–industry collaboration.

University–industry collaboration in the technology development and technology commercialization stage: a systematic literature review

“…Guimon (2017) The "green entrepreneurship" keyword appeared in this study from 2020 to 2021. Kuys et al (2021) described a joint project between a prominent Melbourne-based university and a government organization from Malaysia to innovate a range of furniture for Malaysian dormitories. The resulting products were a range of sustainable, modular dormitory furniture with a direct route to market.…”

Eco-Efficiency Products: A Guideline for Teak Utilization Over 13-15 Years

“…In this case, it is based on the principle of the product for environments connecting between the new product development patterns and environmental management. This is done by considering the life cycle of products with the environmental effects and other factors that are significant to the product design: 1) Product Economics, 2) Customer Requirements, 3) Manufacturability, and 4) Required product functions (Shree, D. et al, 2017;Liu, J. et al, 2021;Kuys, J. et al, 2021).…”

The Priority Given to Sustainability by Industrial Designers within an Industry 4.0 Paradigm

“…This means the incorporation of a more democratic structure, which is participatory and open to everyone, and which also takes into account the needs of the environment and society into the broader design process [6]. This is further expanded by [15], demonstrating how the end-of-life of a product is considered at the point of product's conception, certainly a significant evolution from the earlier definition by [6].…”

“…While the authors of this paper do not discount the importance of an overall viewpoint of sustainability within Industry 4.0, they advocate for greater involvement at the briefing stage. Referring to [15] by engaging with the stakeholders involved within an early stage (i.e., manufacturer, client, user), sustainability aspects of the project, which involve raw materials, supply chains, overall durability of the finished product, as well as aesthetics, were able to be enhanced through strong collaboration. It is this factor in particular that is of interest to the authors of this study and was subsequently investigated.…”