ACLODS: A holistic framework for product life cycle design

Design can substantially affect the life cycle of a product. During design there is a need to consider the whole life cycle rather than a single phase of a product life cycle. Different approaches on life cycle design are reviewed to arrive at requirements for a holistic framework for product life cycle design. These requirements are consolidated using empirical studies conducted in laboratory setting. Based on the findings from literature review and empirical studies, a holistic framework (ACLODS, which is formed by the first letters of the constituting dimensions in the framework) for product life cycle design is proposed. The framework is made of six dimensions; activities, criteria, life cycle phases, outcomes, design stages and structure of the product. Each dimension consists of individual elements pertaining to that dimension. The existing approaches are compared with proposed framework to identify the dimensions which need support to achieve better product life cycle design. © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.