Eco-Design of Complex Products using System Engineering

Eco-design is a key element of sustainable development. The particular complexity of this type of design project requires developing a specific approach. This approach must be able to cover needs definition, product design and realization, while integrating the viewpoints of all stakeholders. We propose an eco-design approach for creating innovative products. This approach takes into account requirements related to the product itself, to the design process and to company organization. To these requirements we will add those that arise from interactions with the external environment. We propose a requirements management model based on a System Engineering approach and the UML formalism. This model will allow us to show the co-evolution of the design problem and its solution. We will emphasize the importance of going beyond different types of contradictions to develop innovative products that are environmentally friendly. This implies being able to clarify and/or to modify the initial project requirements and allowing new requirements to emerge.