Design for Circular Products and Service-Systems

We specialize in design approaches that support sustainability and circularity across products, service-systems, and socio-technical transitions. Our work bridges design, engineering, and psychology, focusing on both the environmental impact of products and the human behaviors that shape their use and lifespan.

In the field of circular product and service design, we apply:

• Circular Product Design (R-strategies, Circular Economy principles)

• Sustainability assessment methods (e.g. Life Cycle Assessment, criteria- and indicator-based frameworks)

• Design for Sustainability (DfS)

• Design for Sustainable Behavior (DfSB) and Design for Behavior Change (DfBC)

• Green Nudging strategies

• User-centered product development and prototyping (e.g. in packaging, plastic recycling, HMI, electronics)

In parallel, we develop and apply co-design methods for transdisciplinary research to address the complexity of sustainability transitions. This involves integrating diverse perspectives and knowledge types through collaborative processes, aiming to ensure procedural justice and locally adapted solutions.

Key methods include:

• Co-Design in Transdisciplinary Research

• Participatory Design and Social Learning

• Transition Design / Design for Sustainability Transitions

• Development and facilitation of actor- and context-specific co-design tools

• Exploratory qualitative research and empirical design studies

We also teach courses on circular design, sustainability methods, and empirical research for designers.