Design as a catalyst for the circular economy

Design for circularity requires new methodologies that differ from the traditional design approach. This chapter pivots around a discussion of how the guiding design principles that are general to the practice of green engineering, eco-design, and cradle-to-cradle fuel the transition to a circular economy. This chapter describes the case of solar cell panels as a typical and challenging example of transitioning into a circular economy. It highlights issues from the design perspective, which aim to enable reuse and recycle materials at the end of a product's use. The case discussion introduces suggestions on how design seeks to solve these issues. The case highlights the need for a change in mindset in designing products for full circularity and links this need to education, with a focus on the inner transition, where universities play a vital role. Preparing our engineering students in product development for a future in which we aim to design for a circular economy is the motivation behind creation of a new design course that aims to teach how design can be a catalyst for full circularity. For those who are interested in bringing circular economy design to education, we share how we did this and what we learned.