STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SUSTAINABLE SMARTPHONE DESIGN: A CASE STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Abstract

Smartphones are the most commonly used devices in universities, accounting for 66.74% of device usage, compared to 42.80% and 6.61% computer/laptop and tablets/iPads usage, respectively, but present a significant environmental challenge throughout their lifecycle. Sustainable smartphone design emerges as a critical approach to mitigate these environmental concerns; hence, this qualitative study sought to explore students’ awareness and perceived value of sustainable smartphone design at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). Specifically, the study aimed to determine students' understanding and awareness of sustainability in smartphone design at UCLan, and to explore UCLan students' perceived value of sustainable smartphone features. This study adopted a qualitative exploratory research design, where data were collected using semi-structured interviews from twelve UCLan students who were sampled using a purposive sampling technique. The study revealed that while students possessed a general understanding of sustainability concepts such as recycling and reusing, their knowledge of how these principles apply to smartphone design is still limited. The study also found that students valued energy efficiency and end-of-life management practices, such as tradein and recycling programs, viewing them as tangible and convenient sustainability features. This study concludes that sustainable transformation in smartphone consumption among students requires a dual approach, involving the strengthening of sustainability education within higher learning institutions and the promotion of industry practices that align environmental responsibility with functionality and affordability.