Define the term 'sustainability' in the context of design.

The term 'sustainability' in the context of design focuses on the principle of creating products and systems that fulfill the current needs of society while ensuring that future generations can also meet their needs. This involves considering the long-term impacts of design decisions on the environment, economy, and social structures. Sustainable design takes a holistic approach, integrating materials, production methods, usability, and overall life cycle, ensuring that they do not deplete resources or harm the ecosystem.

Designing with sustainability in mind means evaluating the materials used, energy efficiency, waste management, and the product's overall impact on the planet. It emphasizes the importance of making choices that allow for ongoing resources and healthy environments for future users, promoting a sustainable cycle rather than a linear, wasteful approach.

The other options either reflect a misunderstanding of sustainability or focus on narrower aspects of design that do not encapsulate the broader goal of sustainability. For example, aesthetics and cost do not intrinsically address the long-term viability or resource conservation that sustainability entails, while focusing solely on ecological impact ignores the social and economic dimensions inherent to sustainable practices.