Research on Lifestyle Design Based on Sustainable Fashion Concepts: A Case Study of Temperature-Color Changing Mugs

Abstract

Against the backdrop of increasingly pressing global environmental challenges, sustainable design principles have emerged as a pivotal direction within the design field. This study examines how product design can visualize carbon footprints, using temperature-sensitive color-changing mugs as a case study, thereby guiding the public toward sustainable consumption practices. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, the study compared the carbon emissions of ceramic mugs versus disposable paper cups. Integrating performance testing of thermochromic materials with affective design theory, it proposes a strategy of “designing to foster sustainable behaviors.” Results indicate that after 25 uses, the per-use carbon emissions of ceramic mugs become lower than disposable paper cups, demonstrating significant energy-saving and emission-reduction benefits. By applying thermochromic materials, this research visualizes abstract environmental data through interactive means, transforming sustainability principles into conscious, everyday behavioral choices.