Abstract
In a recent study, we identified seven key circular competencies for design: (1) Design for Multiple Use Cycles, (2) Design for Recovery, (3) Circular Impact Assessment, (4) Circular Business Models, (5) Circular User Engagement, (6) Circular Economy Collaboration, and (7) Circular Economy Communication. These were derived from small-scale studies with designers working in the Netherlands. We set out to assess to what extent this set of seven competencies is recognized by an international group of designers and to evaluate whether any competencies are missing. We used an online survey to collect data from 128 respondents from 25 countries working on circular economy projects. The survey results showed that respondents use and have expertise in all seven competencies and they stressed the practical importance of two new competencies: Circular Systems Thinking and Circular Materials and Manufacturing. The resulting set of nine key competencies is the first internationally verified, coherent set of key circular economy competencies for design. This set will strengthen the pedagogical base of design for a circular economy and will guide the development of circular design methodology.
Highlights
The circular economy is an alternative to the linear economy
With the exception of Circular Impact Assessment, more than 50% of the all re- of their circular spondents indicated thatThe theySelf-Reported used each competency in half or of their circular econeconomy projects
We describe the competency Circular Systems Thinking as the ability to “adopt an approach to design that regards the circular economy as a complex system, taking into account that circular design interventions will have systemic effects”
Summary
The circular economy is an alternative to the linear economy. It emphasizes making more effective use of resources by closing and slowing resource loops [1] thereby creating a system without waste and emission [2]. Research has shown that better design can assist in closing and slowing loops [3,4]. Moreno et al [5] state that designers have a significant responsibility for shaping how products and services are built. The design decisions we take will greatly impact future product recovery [6]
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