--- title: How Can Design Affect the Service Life of a Product? description: Discover how design can impact the service life of a product and contribute to its sustainability. Learn about VBG's approach to creating sustainable products and reducing environmental impact. image: https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/VBG/VBG_Images/VBG_blogposts/VBG_2023_BLOGG/vbg_ecodesign_bloggw47_header_paper_grade.png --- [![VBG logo](https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/Assets/img/vbg-logo.svg)](http://www.vbg.eu/en/) - Solutions ## Solutions [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/u7x3adb8a5z0vhk13on2/L-sningar-helhet.svg) Solutions with an integrated approach](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/2139yxibtv33ljh14w2u/P-byggare-1.svg) Sustainable transport](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/sustainable-transport/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/apvj8axm8whp5kfovoi7/P-byggare.svg) For bodybuilders](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/for-bodybuilders/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/5u4dpqvokj0eeu5m6357/F-rare.svg) For drivers](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/for-drivers/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/fvh0h915kt30gka9b93l/Kundber-ttelser.svg) Customer stories](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/success-stories/) - Products ## Products [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/vbg-795vr-3-pa_l-l.png?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=a0ce582ad2faa38431d9fbb5cf3695d20d9d09ccd8f60e4e4b4a8a8f7bbb83dd&v=1632122430) Couplings](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/couplings/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/menu-driver-assist.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=7022981b6fd020dd858e676d60bcf4659982dcce51bcba54721cd579f2aea038&v=1652191373) VBG Driver Assist](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/vbg-driver-assist/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/dragbalkmeny2.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=6d2309b5068c4b48af0d00f2b092c4bc095f427241f0e8baeb3630a1f25ca526&v=1526977473) Drawbeam system](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/drawbeam-system/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/u-skydd_produktvaljare.png?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=485a2e3acf5d96935f554423addfedd12b63a67d4075fb734df07a1e1ab9af5b&v=1662447913) Underrun protection](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/underrun-protection/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/dragstangmeny2.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=223385284bb8115d3b7bc62217b21467da6647d53ebe60765f64279ea2b91d50&v=1527153014) Drawbars](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/drawbars/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/dragogla/dragoglamenu.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=1d7d41bf43e644a779e6470fe3ff0c35486fa56b2870378de7148dc8e06f9e5a&v=1525696242) Drawbar eyes](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/drawbar-eyes/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/tillbehormeny2.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=5660dac10f64fa5ef7a7ff3974161791a7d65b3b8ca86e9c161943e9ed4a89b9&v=1526997631) Other assortment](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/other-assortment/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imgs/imagevault/publishedmedia/ft5bo6n69m9whjj5qm6y/vbg-menu-system.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=677796ce0d04b3cb3bc90c9de7b6183a62373bdec05cce508bacbd30c0459d8f) See the whole system](http://www.vbg.eu/en/product-overview/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/spare-parts-menu-2.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=262457083c8fad284f5c16fa023e153bee90029557d8ece62b5841e2b97b4ef4&v=1646642366) Spare parts](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/spare-parts/) ![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/spare-parts-menu-2.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=262457083c8fad284f5c16fa023e153bee90029557d8ece62b5841e2b97b4ef4&v=1646642366) Spare parts [Spare parts](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/spare-parts/) - Support ## Support [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/2yv841kxf1zw7gqhbsbn/Service.svg) Support](http://www.vbg.eu/en/support/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/dsyjjfa4bgxm4397imm9/Returer.svg) Returns and Complaints](http://www.vbg.eu/en/support/returns-and-complaints/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/dy5z3mo5pwljlke283ks/Riktlinjer.svg) Maintenance guidelines](http://www.vbg.eu/en/support/maintenance-guidelines/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/9mcef176c2807rmrrfnk/Kvalite.svg) Quality and Environment](http://www.vbg.eu/en/support/quality-and-environment/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/fhvf37ms8x5kw19s2b6j/Vanliga-fragor.svg) FAQ](http://www.vbg.eu/en/faq/) - [Calculator](http://www.vbg.eu/en/calculator/) ## Calculator - [Blog](https://blog.vbg.eu/en) ## Blog [Contact us](http://www.vbg.eu/en/contact-us/) - [Partner Login](http://www.vbg.eu/en/extranat/) - Select your language Published on 23 Nov 2023 by [Johanna Ekström](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/johanna-ekström) > 3 min # How Can Design Affect the Service Life of a Product? [Back](https://blog.vbg.eu/en) Share the article - - *Developing products that are sustainable and have minimal climate impact is a complex challenge that will require new methods and ways of working. What do we consider here at VBG when we design our products to be as sustainable as possible?* ## Design methodology – part of the solution for sustainable products Design methodology that takes the entire product life cycle into account can be part of the solution. The image below is taken from the Swedish Industrial Design Foundation’s (SVID) Sustainability Guide and visualises the concept of Ecodesign. Ecodesign is defined by [SVID](https://sustainabilityguide.eu/ecodesign/) “innovative design solutions, for both products and services, that take the entire life cycle into account”.  ![vbg_ecodesign_bloggw47](https://blog.vbg.eu/hs-fs/hubfs/VBG/VBG_Images/VBG_blogposts/VBG_2023_BLOGG/vbg_ecodesign_bloggw47.png?width=500&height=500&name=vbg_ecodesign_bloggw47.png) [bildkälla:sustainabilityguide.eu](https://sustainabilityguide.eu/) There are choices to be made at every step to achieve the most sustainable product possible. As the image shows, the solution to a sustainable product is not only found in technical solutions, but also in efforts to minimise environmental impact throughout its life cycle. ## Maintenance, repair, and upgrade As I described in a [previous blog post](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/does-design-really-affect-hauliers-profitability) , the design methodology also has a clear user focus. With this focus, it is easier to develop a product that creates value for the customer. A product that is used frequently for a long time is positive from a sustainability perspective. With the user in focus, it is also easier to identify the needs that exist in addition to the more basic functions. For example, you can create possibilities to easily maintain, repair, and upgrade a product. Less wear and waste and full focus on sustainable behaviour. In design methodology, the problem is approached from different perspectives early in the project. By bringing together expertise from different parts of the company and using design methodology tools, a holistic view of how to achieve sustainability throughout the product’s life cycle can be achieved at an early stage. ## VBG’s sustainability ambition To develop and design reliable products with a long service life and make it easy for our customers to [maintain, repair, or upgrade](https://www.vbg.eu/en/products/spare-parts/)a product. That is our goal. By continuously improving our work, maximising the use of materials, and thus minimising the environmental impact throughout the life cycle of our products. We design for sustainability and a long service life, which reduces the total cost of ownership. Download our guide: [![It is the Total Cost that Counts – Not the Price Tag](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2640104/5e3bf7cf-4ca6-4db7-bb71-2bec664d00c0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2640104/5e3bf7cf-4ca6-4db7-bb71-2bec664d00c0) Topics - [Transportation industry](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/tag/transportation-industry) [![Johanna Ekström](https://blog.vbg.eu/hs-fs/hubfs/VBG/VBG_Author_Portrait/Authors_BW_Johanna_Ekstrom_2023_v1_lightversion.png?width=200&name=Authors_BW_Johanna_Ekstrom_2023_v1_lightversion.png)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/johanna-ekström) #### [Johanna Ekström](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/johanna-ekström) Johanna is the Design Manager for VBG Truck Equipment and has extensive experience in working with engineering and product development at VBG. She is responsible for ensuring VBG's design language and product design throughout the entire product development process, from initial concept sketches to finished product documentation. Her creativity and sense of color and form also play a significant role in her leisure time. In addition to spending time with family and friends, she enjoys interior decorating and home renovation. - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-ekstr%C3%B6m-8421a74b/) ### Recent posts - [VBG Strengthens Capacity with New Testing Facility](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/vbg-strengthens-capacity-with-new-testing-facility) - [How do I perform a function check?](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/how-do-i-perform-a-function-check) - [How Dagab uses VBG Driver Assist](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/how-dagab-uses-vbg-driver-assist) - [How to protect your investment and extend the system’s lifespan](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/how-to-protect-your-investment-and-extend-the-systems-lifespan) - [What technical requirements apply to 34.5 meter combinations?](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/what-technical-requirements-apply-to-34.5-meter-combinations) - [View all](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/all) ### Topics - [Transportation industry (73)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/tag/transportation-industry) - [Ownership (48)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/tag/ownership) - [Transport industry (40)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/tag/transport-industry) - [Use (31)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/tag/use) - [Engineering (5)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/tag/engineering) ### Authors - [Anders Erkén (2)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/anders-erkén) - [Emil Vikingsson (3)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/emil-vikingsson) - [Emilia Angséus (1)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/emilia-angséus) - [Eric Carlebom (5)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/eric-carlebom) - [Fredrik Gustavsson (1)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/fredrik-gustavsson) ## Discuss this post Leave a comment ## Recommended reading ![VBG Strengthens Capacity with New Testing Facility](https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/HEADER.png) ~ 6 min #### VBG Strengthens Capacity with New Testing Facility VBG Strengthens Capacity with New Testing Facility VBG continues to invest in the future. With a new test rig designed for extra-long test specimens, the ... [![Emilia Angséus](https://blog.vbg.eu/hs-fs/hubfs/blogemilia.png?width=26&name=blogemilia.png) Emilia Angséus 25 Jun 2026](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/vbg-strengthens-capacity-with-new-testing-facility) ![How do I perform a function check?](https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/VBG_Norway_-6804-1.png) > 4 min #### How do I perform a function check? Summer and the vacation we all look forward to are just around the corner. No matter how you plan to spend your time off, it’s reassuring to know that your ... [![Emil Vikingsson](https://blog.vbg.eu/hs-fs/hubfs/VBG/VBG_Author_Portrait/Emil%20Vikingsson%20no%20bkg%20bw.png?width=26&name=Emil%20Vikingsson%20no%20bkg%20bw.png) Emil Vikingsson 28 May 2026](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/how-do-i-perform-a-function-check) ![How Dagab uses VBG Driver Assist](https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/Dagabekipage_w14%202026.png) ~ 5 min #### How Dagab uses VBG Driver Assist In a workflow where every minute counts, Dagab has chosen VBG Driver Assist to make trailer coupling more consistent and safer. Here, we explain why they chose ... [![Jan Höglund](https://blog.vbg.eu/hs-fs/hubfs/5195_Jan%20H%C3%B6glund%20500x500.jpg?width=26&name=5195_Jan%20H%C3%B6glund%20500x500.jpg) Jan Höglund 21 Apr 2026](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/how-dagab-uses-vbg-driver-assist) ## Subscribe to the blog ## Know us - [Solutions](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/) - [See the entire system](http://www.vbg.eu/en/product-overview/) - [FAQ](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/faq) - [What others think](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/success-stories/) - [Support](http://www.vbg.eu/en/support/) - [Blog](https://blog.vbg.eu/en) ## How can we help you? - [I want to buy](http://www.vbg.eu/en/contact-us/request-to-buy/) - [I need spare parts](http://www.vbg.eu/en/contact-us/request-for-spare-parts/) - [I need technical support](http://www.vbg.eu/en/contact-us/i-require-technical-support/) - [Other questions](http://www.vbg.eu/en/contact-us/other-questions/) - Supplier information ## Follow us - - - VBG Group Truck Equipment AB | Box 1216 | SE-462 28 Vänersborg  - | [Privacy](http://www.vbg.eu/en/privacy/) - | Whistleblower - | Cookie Policy [![VBG Logo](https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/Assets/img/vbg-group-logo.svg)](https://www.vbggroup.com) ## Choose language - [Dansk](http://www.vbg.eu/da/) - [Deutsch](http://www.vbg.eu/de/) - [English](http://www.vbg.eu/en/) - [Norsk](http://www.vbg.eu/no/) - [Suomi](http://www.vbg.eu/fi/) - [Svenska](http://www.vbg.eu/sv/) [Contact us](https://www.vbg.eu/en/contact-us/) SubscribeSubscribe to the blog ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Johanna Ekström", "url" : "https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/johanna-ekström" }, "dateModified" : "2023-11-23T13:30:00.561Z", "datePublished" : "2023-11-23T13:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "How Can Design Affect the Service Life of a Product?", "image" : [ "https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/VBG/VBG_Images/VBG_blogposts/VBG_2023_BLOGG/vbg_ecodesign_bloggw47_header_paper_grade.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.vbg.eu/en/design-affect-the-service-life-of-a-product", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/Assets/img/logo1.gif" }, "name" : "Zooma Marketing & Communication" } } ```