Sustainability and Ethics in Design: Practice Quizzes for Year 12

Question 1

What is the widely accepted term for the societal responsibility of companies to consider the environmental and social consequences of their activities?

Accepted Answer

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Answer

Sustainability

Answer

Ethical Design

Answer

Life Cycle Assessment

Question 2

Which material is considered sustainable due to its rapid renewability and low environmental impact?

Accepted Answer

Bamboo

Answer

Plastic

Answer

Concrete

Answer

Glass

Question 3

The primary purpose of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in design is to:

Accepted Answer

Calculate the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle

Answer

Determine the manufacturing costs of a product

Answer

Predict the lifespan of a product

Answer

Assess the usability of a product

Question 4

Which advantage is associated with designing products for disassembly?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating recycling and material recovery

Answer

Reducing manufacturing complexity

Answer

Enhancing product durability

Answer

Improving product aesthetics

Question 5

A primary ethical concern regarding conflict minerals in electronics is:

Accepted Answer

Potential funding of armed conflicts and human rights violations

Answer

Environmental degradation

Answer

Exploitation of child labor

Answer

Violation of intellectual property rights

Question 6

Which factor is NOT a primary consideration when evaluating the sustainability of a product?

Accepted Answer

Cost

Answer

Energy consumption

Answer

Recyclability

Answer

Durability

Question 7

The primary goal of ethical design is to create products that:

Accepted Answer

Benefit society and minimize potential harm

Answer

Maximize profits

Answer

Achieve exceptional functionality

Answer

Adhere to current fashion trends

Question 8

Designers can prioritize renewable resources and minimize environmental impact by adhering to which design principle?

Accepted Answer

Sustainability

Answer

Aesthetics

Answer

Ergonomics

Answer

Functionality

Question 9

Designers ensure inclusivity for users of all abilities and backgrounds by prioritizing which ethical consideration?

Accepted Answer

Social responsibility

Answer

Environmental sustainability

Answer

Economic efficiency

Answer

Cultural sensitivity

Question 10

In sustainable design, which material is commonly chosen for its recyclability and reduced environmental impact?

Accepted Answer

Aluminum

Answer

Concrete

Answer

Plastic

Answer

Glass

Question 11

Product designers primarily benefit from adopting a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach by:

Accepted Answer

Identifying environmental impacts throughout the product's lifecycle

Answer

Reducing design costs

Answer

Improving product aesthetics

Answer

Meeting consumer demand

Question 12

Which design strategy minimizes waste and maximizes resource utilization?

Accepted Answer

Cradle-to-cradle

Answer

Linear design

Answer

Biomimicry

Answer

Cradle-to-grave

Question 13

Designers analyze and visualize the environmental impacts of design alternatives using which tool?

Accepted Answer

Life cycle assessment

Answer

Computer-aided design

Answer

Finite element analysis

Answer

Prototyping

Question 14

The ethical principle that emphasizes protecting and preserving the natural environment is:

Accepted Answer

Environmentalism

Answer

Individualism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Question 15

Revised: What is the term used to describe the process of analyzing the environmental impact of a product over its entire lifespan?

Accepted Answer

Life cycle assessment

Answer

Environmental impact assessment

Answer

Product life cycle analysis

Answer

Sustainability assessment

Question 16

Which phase in a product's life cycle generally has the most significant environmental impact?

Accepted Answer

Extraction of raw materials

Answer

Manufacturing

Answer

Transport

Answer

Usage

Question 17

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of sustainable design?

Accepted Answer

Environmental impact minimization

Answer

Maximizing production efficiency

Answer

Cost reduction

Answer

Short-term profitability

Question 18

What is the ethical obligation of designers in considering the broader impact of their work?

Accepted Answer

To prioritize positive outcomes while mitigating potential negative consequences.

Answer

To solely focus on maximizing profits.

Answer

To adhere strictly to industry regulations.

Question 19

Which of the following materials aligns with sustainable design practices?

Accepted Answer

Recyclable and biodegradable materials

Answer

Materials with high embodied energy

Answer

Materials derived from non-renewable resources

Question 20

What is the significance of life cycle assessment in sustainable design?

Accepted Answer

It provides a comprehensive evaluation of a product's environmental impact throughout its lifespan.

Answer

It determines the cost-effectiveness of a product.

Answer

It predicts consumer demand for a product.

Question 21

Name a key benefit of integrating sustainability into design practices.

Accepted Answer

Reduced environmental footprint and enhanced resource conservation

Answer

Compromised product quality

Answer

Increased production costs

Question 22

Describe the ethical dilemma engineers face when balancing innovation with potential negative consequences of new technologies.

Accepted Answer

To carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks, prioritizing responsible development.

Answer

To avoid innovation altogether.

Answer

To prioritize innovation regardless of potential risks.

Question 23

Which aspect is crucial to ethical manufacturing practices?

Accepted Answer

Fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for human rights

Answer

Using the most inexpensive materials available

Answer

Maximizing production output at any cost

Question 24

What is the role of consumers in fostering sustainability in product design and manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

Making informed purchasing decisions and supporting eco-friendly products

Answer

Demanding the lowest prices

Answer

Disposing of products responsibly

Question 25

Identify a primary challenge in implementing sustainable practices in design and manufacturing.

Accepted Answer

Balancing environmental concerns with financial and time constraints

Answer

Lack of technical expertise

Answer

Unreliable suppliers

Question 26

What is the overarching goal of sustainability in product design and manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

To create products and processes that meet current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

Answer

To eliminate all negative environmental impacts