Design for the Circular Economy

Design will play a key role in the transition to a circular economy (CE). Most of today’s products are designed with little regard for what happens when we no longer want them. Consequently, products are wasted, in terms of both materials and value. And waste is design gone wrong!
In a circular economy, products loop back into the production system through repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and eventually, recycling. By doing this, we extend their useful life, capture value and design out waste.
This course will strengthen the skills of bachelor students to tackle the transition from our linear 'take-make-waste' economy to a circular economy. This elective course provides students theory as well as practicum assignments, addressing the business and design aspects of going circular.