Product-Service System Design for Sustainability

Product-Service System Design for Sustainability was published in 2013 as part of a growing academic focus on shifting from traditional product manufacturing toward integrated systems that provide services. Carlo Vezzoli, a prominent figure in design for sustainability, authored this text to provide a pedagogical framework for designers and engineers tasked with reducing environmental impact while maintaining economic viability. The work emerged from the broader context of eco-design research at the Politecnico di Milano, reflecting a shift in European design education toward systemic circularity.

The book is structured as both a theoretical exploration and a practical guide, influenced by the burgeoning field of PSS (Product-Service System) methodology. Vezzoli’s design approach emphasizes the decoupling of economic growth from resource consumption by analyzing the lifecycle of services rather than just physical artifacts. Upon its release, it was received as a significant resource for students and practitioners, praised for its clarity in bridging the gap between complex sustainability theories and actionable industrial design strategies.