What is a good reason to use a Product Scorecard?

Using a Product Scorecard is particularly beneficial for guiding early designers who are engaging in concept development across various products. A Product Scorecard serves as a structured tool that allows designers to evaluate and prioritize potential product ideas based on sustainability criteria, design principles, and other key factors early in the development process. This approach helps ensure that important considerations regarding environmental impact, usability, and market viability are integrated into the design phase from the outset.

By utilizing a scorecard at this stage, designers can make informed decisions, compare different concept options, and align their designs with sustainability goals effectively. This not only enhances creativity and innovation but also fosters a mindset focused on sustainable practices.

In contrast, assessing financial impacts tends to be more relevant in later stages of product development (as is true for finalizing designs before manufacturing), while comparison to market competitors typically relies on existing products rather than early concepts. Hence, the scorecard's role in concept development is crucial for setting a solid foundation for sustainable product design.