My doctoral thesis explores the key question: What competencies do designers need to develop products and services for a circular economy?

Through a mixed-method approach, the thesis identifies and validates the knowledge, skills, and attitudes designers require to enable circular practices. The work highlights three central design roles in the transition towards a circular economy—strategic, coordinating, and functional—and examines the challenges designers face in fulfilling them.

Case studies and interviews reveal that while designers see strategic roles as crucial for driving change, they often lack the competencies to confidently act in these positions. To address this, the research develops and internationally validates an overview of circular economy competencies for design.

The outcome is a coherent, practical framework to support designers in shaping sustainable products, services, and business models for a circular future.

Author: Deborah Sumter
Publication Year: 2021