A Systematic Review of Circular Design Process Models and their Applications

Abstract

With the urgent need to address resource scarcity and environmental impact, the adoption of Circular Economy practices is gaining importance. While Circular Economy concepts such as recycling, reuse and waste reduction are well known and widely addressed, gaps remain in understanding how these circular strategies are developed and implemented across regions, industries and levels (micro, meso, macro). The purpose of this thesis is to close this gap by exploring Circular Design practices through a systematic case analysis, to better understand how theoretical concepts translate into real world applications. Through a systematic case review, a cross-case analysis and expert feedback, this study identifies key principles, strategies and influencing factors of Circular Design across different contexts. Key findings show that successful Circular Design implementation requires adaptive strategies that consider region specific regulations, infrastructure and cultural attitudes, while having sufficient economic incentives to drive engagement from stakeholders. Furthermore, the collaboration between stakeholders throughout the value chain was found to be crucial for overcoming infrastructural and technological barriers. The study stresses the necessity of systemic thinking to achieve effective and scalable solutions that benefit all parts of the system, not only to address environmental objectives but also to improve social and economic value. This thesis points to the importance of understanding the opportunities and challenges posed by applying circular practices. Key outcomes include potential cost saving and revenue generation through material selection and new business model opportunities. However, challenges remain, such as regulatory instability and complexity in scaling circular practices. These insights provide a valuable foundation to different stakeholders such as policymakers, companies and designers, working to transition into more circular and sustainable practices. The study contributes to bridge the existing gaps between theoretical frameworks and real-world application, providing a starting point for future research on the application of circular strategies in specific regions and industry specific needs.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Christiane Rau (Supervisor)