Design principles are systematic patterns or frameworks that guide the synthesis of a given product or service. They encompass both technical details, as well as aspects of ecological and human design, emphasizing the holistic nature of creating goods. By considering the entire life cycle of an object from initial conception to method of disposal, design principles strive to promote a form of sustainability that is conscious of the complex and interconnected nature of our global environment. Thus, these principles seek to reduce negative environmental impacts by taking into account how an item's materials, production process, use, and waste influence our collective future.

See also: exponential growth, circular economy, renewable energy, biophysical reality