Role of Transformation Principles in Enabling Environmentally Significant Behavior

We describe studies undertaken to better understand the relationship between mechanical transformation principles and environmentally significant behavior (ESB). Five existing transformable products were studied, and two new products were developed to address the limitations in one existing product. We applied lead-user methods to study those who undertake various tasks in environmentally preferable ways despite obstacles, as well as undertaking such tasks ourselves. We found that transformation increases the portability of products that support ESB and thus spontaneity in undertaking ESB. We conclude that transformable products do aid in overcoming obstacles to ESB that are not yet addressed by appropriate infrastructure.