An assessment model and guidelines for multimedia computer recycling from the life cycle design standpoint

With the changes of life style, the sales volume of multimedia computers keeps growing. Like other electric products, multimedia computers are assembled by many pieces of materials and have short usage periods, which would result in heavy environmental load. To reduce the environmental burden effectively the characteristics of life cycle design should be taken into account at the start of product design. The purpose of this study is to investigate the environmental impact from multimedia computers by the analysis of LCA (life cycle assessment) and to establish the checking guidelines for designers in the process of product development. After a checking assessment list is formed, an applied example is followed to support the result. This paper is based on analytical and research concepts to develop, apply and assess the whole model of recycling materials. At the start of the research, foreign and domestic literature reviews relating to green design, are made. Then the research flow and environmental assessment tools are assured and thereafter the screened design principle and checking list are produced. Meanwhile, the example of multimedia computer's development is applied to explain how to reduce the environmental load and damage during the process of development. Matched with the opinions of scholars, experts and users, the example is utilized to evaluate and to approve the effectiveness of this assessment model under this study.