Because it is both productive and sustainable, the circular economy is of great importance to our world. The design stage of production is crucial in transitioning to the circular economy. Circular design can extend the life cycle of materials and make them more efficient.

While nature creates circular systems, humans build linear ones. This is why there is no waste in nature.

The fundamental idea behind a circular economy is that it involves a shift from the traditional “take-make-dispose” model of extractive industry to a closed model in which material or data are constantly reassigned.

The principles of a circular economy

The principles of a circular economy are a model that reduces resource and energy waste in industrial processes.

1. Manage limited stock and balance renewable resources to protect and enhance natural heritage.

2. You can optimize resource efficiency by circulating components, products, and materials within technical and biological cycles.

3. You can improve your system’s efficiency by designing and revealing negative externalities.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has created this video that summarizes the circular economy very well.

A circular economy for a circular design

The shift to a circular economy is based on design. Products, services, and systems that are based on the “take make, dispose of” model can only do so much.

Re-thinking and redesigning can help accelerate the transition to a model that is not just more efficient but also restorative and regenerative.

– Ellen MacArthur is the founder of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation

The effective circular design

Chris Grantham portfolio manager at IDEO London points out the centrality of design in this transition to the circular economy.

He stated that designers working in modern commercial settings must be familiar with the key principles and be capable of applying them to their work.

Entrepreneurs and designers are more familiar with designing for end users than they are with design. Effective circular design goes beyond the lifecycle of a single product for one user and creates a larger system that allows multiple uses and users.

The importance of the design stage

The design has a huge impact on the production and use of commodities. It is therefore a crucial component of the transition to a resource-efficient economy.

Research shows that 75% of final decisions about production processes and materials are made at the design stage.

Right here, we started working right away, and before we set out on the road with our team. We met first with our companions. We then set up project requirements and mentored all teams for 7 weeks.

We also planned the project thoroughly. These requirements were also the basis for our roadmap.

Comparing design approaches

In his article, Ruud Bakende, professor of circular products design at the Delft University of Technology compares circular design with Design for Sustainability and Design for Recycling.

He believes that the uniqueness of the circular design is its desire to extend the life cycle of products, systems, and components. It redefines the economic potential for resources by creating new business models. These potentials and competencies can be seen in the research.

Kobe Digital is also in line with the main principles and practices of sustainable design. This can be described as test-driven UX/UI design.

Kobe Digital almost always begins by analyzing a product qualitatively and quantitatively to report usability problems in a prioritized manner.

Kobe Digital then creates a hypothesis backlog that tests ideas and validates or disproves assumptions. Kobe Digital runs test cycles regularly as part of agile practices to achieve sustainable growth iteratively.

Flexible working opportunity with the team

Clients can also opt to work with a more traditional approach than most agencies, which is not a good idea. This allows them to access the skills of a studio and helps them to develop a sustainable design approach.

Instead of working within the constraints of a project, we offer our expertise and skillset as person/hours to our clients.

Clients are assigned person/hours each month. Clients can also give the team any project they need, by their changing priorities. This gives both sides flexibility.