A Needs-Based Design Method for Product–Service Systems to Enhance Social Sustainability

Hidenori Murata () and Hideki Kobayashi
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Hidenori Murata: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Osaka, Suita 565-0871, Japan
Hideki Kobayashi: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Osaka, Suita 565-0871, Japan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-25

Abstract: This study proposes a design method for the evaluation and redesign of product–service systems (PSSs) from the perspective of social sustainability, one that applies Max-Neef’s framework of fundamental human needs. The proposed method systematically connects PSS functions and requirements—identified through service blueprints and value graphs—to “satisfiers” and “barriers” extracted via needs-based workshops. This connection enables the identification of functions that either contribute to or hinder the fulfillment of fundamental human needs and guide the generation of redesign proposals aimed at sufficiency-oriented outcomes. A case study involving a smart-cart system in Osaka, Japan, was conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the method. Through an online workshop, satisfiers and barriers related to both physical and online shopping experiences were identified. The analysis revealed that existing functions such as promotional information and automated checkout processes negatively impacted needs such as understanding and affection due to information overload and reduced human interaction. In response, redesign concepts were developed, including filtering options for information, product background storytelling, and optional slower checkout lanes with human assistants. The redesigned functions contribute to the fulfillment of fundamental human needs, indicating that the proposed method can enhance social sustainability in PSS design. This study offers a novel framework that extends beyond traditional customer requirement-based approaches by explicitly incorporating human needs into function-level redesign.

Keywords: fundamental human needs; social sustainability; product–service system; product design; service design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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