Effect of sustainability-related activity on behaviour: consumer vs designer

Abstract

The lack of awareness of the possible consequences of natural resource depletion is the major reason behind human carelessness toward nature. In this regard, designers who have a greater understanding of using materials for different applications, are to be more concern about its scarcity. It has been hypothesized in this work that compared to end users, designers who have direct experience with the consequences of material depletion would be more inclined to take responsibility to preserve the minerals. We made a survey questionnaire and collected the data from participants (N=100) across India to understand the relation between the designer (N=50) and consumer (N=50) perceptions of material use and standards related to the sustainable product. We found that designers are more concerned about the appropriate use of natural resources. They are keen to act effectively with a mind-set to preserve natural mineral resources. We can say that these perceptual differences are an indication of enthusiasm to save the climate. Therefore, highlighting the relationship between consumer and designer perception about material consumption and development of related policies may be a useful strategy for increasing the awareness toward conservation of minerals.