Circular Economy Competencies for Design

Deborah Sumter,Jotte De Koning,Conny Bakker,Ruud Balkenende

doi:10.3390/su12041561

Abstract

This study addresses what competencies (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) designers need in order to successfully design products and services for a circular economy. Existing literature, though sparse, has identified a number of circular economy competencies for design. Yet, a coherent overview is lacking. To complement the competencies found in the literature with insights from practice, we conducted 18 semi-structured interviews with design professionals. Our study identifies seven circular economy competencies for design: (1) Circular Impact Assessment, (2) Design for Recovery, (3) Design for Multiple Use Cycles, (4) Circular Business Models, (5) Circular User Engagement, (6) Circular Economy Collaboration, and (7) Circular Economy Communication. We used a general sustainability competencies framework to categorize our findings. Interestingly, we did not find evidence of the Systems Thinking competency in practice, although in the literature it is mentioned as a relevant competency for design for a circular economy. In addition, we found that methods and tools are still largely lacking or in a premature stage of development. We conclude that design for a circular economy can be seen as an upcoming, independent field within the sustainability domain, and that requires a specific set of competencies, methods, and tools. Our overview of circular economy competencies for design can guide the development of relevant methods and tools, circular economy-based design curricula, and training programs in the future.

Highlights

It has been recognized that the linear throughput of materials and energy, which is focused on resource extraction, production, use, and discarding of products, challenges sustainable development [1]
This reflects what Wiek et al [19] indicated previously: “Because the field is problem driven, sustainability will continue to be dynamic, and while the field and the problems are evolving our understanding of what kind of competencies are required will evolve as well." (p. 21). This empirical study responds to a growing need in industry and academia for a coherent set of circular economy competencies for design that can guide the development of dedicated courses and training programs
Interviews with 18 design practitioners revealed that there were several discrepancies between the circular economy competencies identified in the literature and those perceived to be most relevant in practice

Summary

Introduction

It has been recognized that the linear throughput of materials and energy, which is focused on resource extraction, production, use, and discarding of products (i.e., the so-called take–make–use–waste model), challenges sustainable development [1]. The circular economy, which is described by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation as restorative and regenerative by design [2], offers an alternative. The aim of design for a circular economy is to maintain product integrity over multiple use cycles (for instance through repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing), and to focus on closing loops (through recycling), while at the same time building economically viable product–service systems [3]. The overarching aim of design for a circular economy is to contribute to sustainability [5]. It can be seen as one of the approaches in the design for sustainability field.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion