Designing for what? Approaching necessary production and consumption for a circular economy

Abstract

Circular economy (CE) is currently a 'hot topic' in design discourse. The focus of these discourses has centered on product design, which is a core aspect of material circularity. However, CE is more than products. This assumption is the base for a research question: what should be the intention in designing for a CE? The recognition of CE as a systemic transition opens up opportunities for other forms of design. These forms should contribute to societal goals concerning why and what is produced –more than the profit-making. We contend that a CE should not be approached from the perspective of the usual actors, reduced to business/industry and waste management. We propose instead to take discussions about the governance of production and consumption as the starting point. Finally, we demonstrate the opportunity to open the futuring of CE through participatory and discursive methods based on cycles of speculation and visioning.