Khairul Azhar Mat Daud et al./ Elixir Soc. Sci. 85 (2015) 34361-34364 34361 Introduction Referred to dictionary, sustainable means unchangeable, eternal, permanent, i.e. a situation or environment has not changed or maintained as the original/genuine. Various products are designed on the concept of sustainability. Normally, to designing a consumer products, designer need to concern about the concept of sustainability such as cost savings, flexibility, easy storage, mobility, durable, green technology and so on. Therefore, we have conduct the studies about the current design of iron board where existing in the market. The objective of the preliminary studies is to identify the characteristics of the current iron board which is exist in the market whether it’s meets the sustainability concept of not. In this study, the iron board was selected because it’s a common product and normally each family have one in their home. Through preliminary research was conducted towards 20 consumers of iron board in selected housing estates, it’s shown that almost the majority of respondents mention that the iron board used by them unable to stand with a long time, easily damaged, hard to storage, limited functions, size is not suitable height and so on. Table 1 shown the results of a brief interview towards the user of iron board in a housing estate around Merlimau, Melaka. No Item Percentage My iron board have a particular characteristics such as .... 1 Non-durable 95% 2 Hard to storage 90% 3 Do not have a multifunctional 95% 4 Less of Ergonomic 90% 5 Unsafe 80% 6 Uncomfort to use 75% Table 1: Finding of brief interview towards the user of iron board in a housing estate around Merlimau, Melaka In addition, various studies have been done towards the iron board where existing in the market. Through the preliminary study conducted either by observation of the existing iron board in the market or through an initial interview to identify the real needs of users. From several expectations of consumers to buy consumer homeware are as durable, rugged, beautiful, reasonable cost and can be used in a variety of functions and is easy to store. Thus, based on preliminary studies and customer needs, the research have been conducted in order to plan, design and develop the iron board that can work in three functions such as iron board, ladders and chairs by concern the criteria of ergonomic and sustainability. Planning, Design and Development of Multipurpose Iron Board The development of iron board as crucial product for housewife needs to study carefully and properly so that the product was produce can meet the demand of users. High level of satisfaction among consumers to use the homeware product is very important. To ensure consumer products such as iron board could be produced perfectly and satisfies the consumer, there are several key factors such as ergonomics, sustainability, form which is shown the Malaysian identity and have a high aesthetic value. The findings of the study towards consumers demand, it was decided that the iron board be developed will have at least three major functions such as iron board, ladders and chairs. According to an anthropometric data, it was decided that the iron board that will be developed must be follow a specific dimensions of 53cm x 17cm x 33cm. In addition, the product also need to design for limited space, flexibility, mobility, hardy and able to accommodate loads of up to 80kg. The conceptual basic design of iron board There have a various design of iron board in the market. The initial study about consumers demand toward iron board is emphasized on the parameters of design, ergonomics, sustainability, and aesthetic values. Based on the highlighted parameter, here are some observations towards a few design of iron board where exist in the current market. The Research Development of Multipurpose Iron Board The development of iron board is made anthropometric data were analyzed. In first phase of iron board development, sketched of the product need to do in order to set the concept of the product design. The Concept of Sustainable Development towards Multifunctional Products Khairul Azhar Mat Daud 1 , Zulkarnaen Mohd Lajin 2 , Zaini Ashaari 3 and Nik Zulkarnaen Khidzir 1 1 Faculty of Creative Technology and Heritage, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. 2 Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Sultan Idris Shah, Sg Lang, 45100 Sg. Air Tawar, Selangor. 3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Merlimau, 77300 Merlimau, Melaka. ABSTRACT This paper will explain more detail about the way to produce product which is designing and develop by concern the criteria of sustainable. Multipurpose Iron Board is one of the product with applied the concept of sustainability. Multipurpose Iron Board can perform a variety of uses other than iron board itself. In sustainable design, it’s able to function as a ladder and chair too. This product is easy to store, easy to carry, lightweight and durable. In addition, the design of which was developed also emphasized aesthetic values. Ergonomic factors are also taken into account so that the user can use the product properly and safely. Anthropometric data is referenced to ensure product will be produce by full fill the ergonomic factors. This product is designed by considered consumer demand through market survey. The current issue such as limited space and less storage will be overcome through the use of this product. © 2015 Elixir All rights reserved. ARTICLE INFO Article history: Received: 26 June 2015; Received in revised form: 1 August 2015; Accepted: 10 August 2015; Keywords Multipurpose Iron Board, Sustainable Design, Multifunctional Products. Elixir Soc. Sci. 85 (2015) 34361-34364 Social Science Available online at www.elixirpublishers.com (Elixir International Journal) Tele: E-mail addresses: azhar.md@umk.edu.my © 2015 Elixir All rights reserved