The FACTORY Method

The Factory Method is an open-source framework designed to promote ecological design for print. It outlines seven steps to encourage conscious design thinking, fostering innovation to rethink how printed materials can support environmental and social good.

The goal of this framework is to enhance design decisions without compromising aesthetics. The FACTORY Method was created to function as a basis for a new, ambitious industry standard of practice. It can serve as a learning aid for professional designers, students, and clients to empower them to reduce environmental impact when designing for print. The method is available at thefactory.ie and linked through the Design Declares Ireland toolkit on designdeclares.ie.

The framework champions sustainability within a traditionally resource-heavy printing industry. Recognising that much of a product's carbon footprint can be mitigated during the design stage, our method focuses on conscious design thinking that aligns with our studio’s sustainability mission. Developed through our hands-on experience in a sustainability-focused design and print studio, as well as insights from further education, this method aims to reduce environmental impact.

The primary challenge was creating a framework that helped reduced the carbon footprint of printed items without sacrificing creativity. We also sought to present these principles in an easy-to-follow format, empowering both designers and clients to value environmentally conscious design that enhances the sustainability of printed materials.

The Method also allowed us to formalise an in-house strategy to help the entire team, to cohesively apply the principles of conscious design thinking to their work.

The framework was divided into seven steps, that bring the user on a conscious design thinking journey. The acronym FACTORY was utilised so the steps could be easily remembered.

F is for Function: Considering the product’s purpose.

A is for Amount: Reducing size, materials, and volume.

C is for Coverage: Managing ink and toner usage.

T is for Trim: Minimising material waste.

O is for Operations: Reducing the carbon footprint in printing processes.

R is for Resources: Choosing sustainable materials.

Y is for Yield: Measuring and sharing the environmental benefits.

The FACTORY Method invites users to rethink material use and energy consumption, providing practical, adoptable solutions. It is supported by project examples and case studies to illustrate the principles in action. More case studies will be added over time for continued learning.

To reduce the website’s carbon footprint, all steps are presented on a single page, minimising the need for multiple page loads, and most of the background is kept dark to save energy compared to lighter backgrounds. Additionally, the FACTORY Method is included in the Design Declares Ireland toolkit to promote sustainability in the broader design community. A social media campaign (@thefactory.ie) is also running to boost awareness.

By sharing these methodologies freely, we hope the FACTORY Method helps to empower graphic designers and clients, in Ireland and beyond, incorporate sustainability into their work.