In a significant move towards conscious and sustainable graphic design, Offaly-based company, The Factory, has unveiled their open-source procedures and techniques dubbed ‘The FACTORY Method’. This innovative design framework was developed to assist all designers in minimising the environmental impact of their work when designing for print.
Lisa Dooley, Creative Director at The Factory, spoke on the initiative, saying, “We wanted to open-source our sustainable design methodologies with the aim of empowering others to make better design choices.”
The FACTORY Method is a comprehensive approach encouraging designers to evaluate every aspect of a design project, from initial concept to final production and use. It focuses on seven key principles:
● Function: Considering the purpose and utility of the product.
● Amount: Evaluating size, materials, volume, to reduce resource demands.
● Coverage: Managing ink and toner usage effectively.
● Trim: Optimising material use and reducing waste.
● Operations: Considering the carbon footprint in print processes.
● Resources: Selecting sustainable substrates and materials.
● Yield: Recording and sharing the reduced environmental impact and benefits gained.
The development of this conscious design toolkit started when one of The FACTORY’s designers George Dempsey Flanagan took part in a professional development course with TUS and Design Skillnet, called Design for Sustainability & Circular Economy. As part of his major project he began formalising sustainable graphic design practises that were intuitively happening within the business.
George says, “The goal was to establish and share a set of guidelines to help my colleagues and all designers think more consciously in terms of how we create and what we produce”.
With these strong foundations laid the whole team at The FACTORY got involved and collaborated to expand and adapt the idea. The project evolved and it was refined to become ‘The FACTORY Method’.
Lisa Dooley, elaborated, saying, “We hope it provides designers and clients with inspiration and guidance through conscious design thinking. This is something we have put a lot of thought and passion into, and we believe it has the potential to make a difference.”
The detailed guidelines of The FACTORY Method are accessible here.
A Legacy of Sustainability
Founded in 2000 in Fivealley, Birr, Co. Offaly, The Factory, originally named The Print Factory, has a history of pioneering sustainable practices. As Ireland’s first commercial printers to utilise rainwater and vegetable-based inks, the family-run business has consistently aimed to lead in sustainability.
Over the years, The Factory has diversified its offerings to include design, branding, sign-making, and web development, continually pushing the envelope in eco-friendly practices.
With the launch of The FACTORY Method, The Factory reinforces its commitment to sustainable innovation in the design and print industry.
You can keep up to date with The FACTORY and learn more about how they implement the method by following them on instagram.
For more information on The FACTORY’s services and sustainable practices, visit their website.
