Short answer
Design sharing economy platforms and services with a clear focus on temporary access to tangible goods, mediated by technology, and fostering non-monetary value exchange to truly support sustainability.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Sustainability (2019)
- Method
- Qualitative Content Analysis
- Evidence
- Strong effect
A clear definition of the 'sharing economy' focusing on ICT mediation, non-pecuniary motivations, temporary access, and rivalrous tangible goods is crucial for realizing its sustainability potential. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Sustainability. Using Qualitative content analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design sharing economy platforms and services with a clear focus on temporary access to tangible goods, mediated by technology, and fostering non-monetary value exchange to truly support sustainability.
ICT-Mediated, Temporary Access to Tangible Goods Defines Sustainable Sharing Economies
A clear definition of the 'sharing economy' focusing on ICT mediation, non-pecuniary motivations, temporary access, and rivalrous tangible goods is crucial for realizing its sustainability potential.
Sustainability · 2019
Key Findings
- 01The sharing economy is ICT-mediated.
- 02Non-pecuniary motivations are key for ownership.
- 03Temporary access to goods is a defining feature.
- 04The goods involved are tangible and rivalrous.
Application
Design takeaway
Design sharing economy platforms and services with a clear focus on temporary access to tangible goods, mediated by technology, and fostering non-monetary value exchange to truly support sustainability.
How to apply
When developing or evaluating sharing economy initiatives, assess them against the criteria of ICT mediation, temporary access, tangible goods, and non-pecuniary motivations to gauge their sustainability impact.
Project actions
- 01Clearly define what 'sharing economy' means in your project context, referencing these characteristics.
- 02Consider how your design can facilitate temporary access to physical products.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a clear, actionable definition for research and practice.
- +Synthesizes existing academic discourse effectively.
Limitations
It might be challenging to strictly adhere to 'non-pecuniary motivation' in all practical business models.
Reliability & validity
The qualitative content analysis relies on the interpretation of existing literature, which can be subjective. The proposed definition's validity would be strengthened by empirical testing across various sharing economy contexts.
Think critically
How might a purely market-driven platform that offers temporary access to goods still fall short of true sustainability, and what design interventions could address this?
Design Principles
"Prioritize access over ownership through technologically enabled, temporary sharing of tangible resources to foster sustainable consumption."
Ambiguity in defining the sharing economy hinders its effective application for promoting sustainable consumption. Establishing precise characteristics allows designers and businesses to develop and promote services that genuinely contribute to sustainability goals, moving beyond mere market-based exchanges.
What This Means for Your Design
To make the 'sharing economy' truly good for the planet, it needs to be managed by technology, involve temporary use of physical things, and be more about community than just making money.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this definition to justify the focus of your design project on specific aspects of the sharing economy and its sustainability benefits.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This design project adopts a definition of the sharing economy that emphasizes ICT mediation, non-pecuniary motivations, temporary access, and the use of tangible, rivalrous goods, as proposed by Curtis and Lehner (2019), to ensure its focus on genuine sustainability benefits.
Source
Questions About This Research
- What does the research say about ict-mediated, temporary access to tangible goods defines sustainable sharing economies?
- Design sharing economy platforms and services with a clear focus on temporary access to tangible goods, mediated by technology, and fostering non-monetary value exchange to truly support sustainability. Evidence: Sustainability (2019).
- Why does "ICT-Mediated, Temporary Access to Tangible Goods Defines Sustainable Sharing Economies" matter for design?
- Ambiguity in defining the sharing economy hinders its effective application for promoting sustainable consumption. Establishing precise characteristics allows designers and businesses to develop and promote services that genuinely contribute to sustainability goals, moving beyond mere market-based exchanges.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design sharing economy platforms and services with a clear focus on temporary access to tangible goods, mediated by technology, and fostering non-monetary value exchange to truly support sustainability.
- What were the main findings?
- The sharing economy is ICT-mediated.. Non-pecuniary motivations are key for ownership.. Temporary access to goods is a defining feature.. The goods involved are tangible and rivalrous.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative Content Analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2019 journal from Sustainability.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When developing or evaluating sharing economy initiatives, assess them against the criteria of ICT mediation, temporary access, tangible goods, and non-pecuniary motivations to gauge their sustainability impact.
- What are the limitations?
- The definition may not encompass all forms of sharing, particularly those not mediated by ICT or focused on intangible assets.