Study Guide

Objective

The goal is for the participants to understand the decisive role of design in the transition towards a circular economy and the role of design in not only product design but also in improved material flows, systems thinking, processes and strategic planning.
Furthermore, the participants must anchor and concretize these questions in a concrete business environment, preferably their own.

Content

In a circular economy, design challenges us to think completely anew, with the aim of reducing waste and pollution and promoting the reuse and recycling of materials. Circular design affects us all, not just those who work with design. Circular design is what happens in the planning stage, at the drawing board, when the conditions are determined - therefore that stage needs to be a high priority for circularity to become a reality. The circular design gives us a new way of thinking regarding material use and the planning of the entire product life cycle. One of the big new questions is what happens after the product is used. These are examples of questions covered in the course. Furthermore, design thinking in planning, strategy work and management are taken up as important ingredients for a green transition.

Introduction to circular design and examples of circular thinking
Circular design as a crucial tool for circular economy
Circular design for change processes, strategy work, service production and a whole new generation of products
Materials and life cycles; eliminate – circulate – regenerate

Materials

In addition to sources recommended by the teacher in connection with the realization of the course, the following literature is recommended as preliminary studies:

- Carlsson, R. (2020) Exponentiell klimatomställing.
- Rockström, J., Gaffney O., Randers J., Dixon-Declève S., Stoknes P.E., Ghosh J. En jord för alla (2023), Natur och kultur.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Qualifications

No prior knowledge requirements.

Further information

Target group: Experts, designers and leaders at various levels in industry and business.