<aside>
đź’ˇ
Outline for coming tools and resources - L 7/28/25
</aside>
Designing with the Planet in Mind
Purpose:
Help product, design, and UX teams embed sustainability into day-to-day workflows—without sacrificing usability, business goals, or accessibility.
Reference: blog link
1. Align: Set Intentional Goals
Key Actions:
- Define sustainability goals (e.g., carbon neutrality, digital weight reduction).
- Align with product, accessibility, and DEI principles.
- Map to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) if applicable.
Tools:
- Sustainability canvas
- Ethical design checklists
- SDG mapping templates
2. Audit: Understand Current Impact
Key Actions:
- Audit your digital product’s carbon footprint using tools like Website Carbon Calculator.
- Review design files for digital bloat (large assets, inefficient layouts).
- Track backend/data energy usage (CDNs, streaming, etc.)
Tools:
- Ecograder
- Beacon (Green Web Foundation)
- Lighter footprint Figma audits
3. Simplify: Design for Efficiency
Key Actions:
- Prioritize content clarity and hierarchy—cut clutter.
- Use system fonts and vector graphics.
- Reduce image/video use where unnecessary.
Quick Wins:
- Dark mode options (can reduce energy on OLED screens).
- Modular, reusable components.
- Lazy loading media.