ANALYSIS OF CIRCULAR DESIGN METHODS IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FOR A CIRCULAR DESIGN TOOLKIT FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES
Year: 2024
Editor: Grierson, Hilary; Bohemia, Erik; Buck, Lyndon
Author: Tellez Nitzling, Daniel; Kokoschko, Björn R.; Schabacker, Michael
Series: E&PDE
Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Germany
Page(s): 598 - 603
DOI number: 10.35199/EPDE.2024.101
ISBN: 978-1-912254-200
ISSN: 3005-4753
Abstract
This contribution deals with circular design methods, which were identified and pre-selected with the help of a systematic literature research on the scientific database Scopus based on the requirements developed in a previous contribution for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small development teams. Both design methods and design tools were identified, which are summarized in this contribution under the term circular design methods. The circular design methods are analyzed, categorized and elaborated upon with respect to these requirements to support Product Development (PD) getting more into circularity. The analysis provides insights on the current status of circular design methods and which development activities in the product development process (PDP) are supported by them. In addition, the evaluation scheme and the assessment of circular design methods for SMEs serves as a support for the selection of suitable circular design methods for development tasks and innovation activities. The contribution follows the overarching process for method selection according to Ernzer and Birkhofer, whereby existing circular design methods are first identified and then analyzed. The circular design methods are then organized in the context of a strategic level, resulting in an initial draft of a catalog of methods, to create from this the circular design toolkit, with 21 circular design methods that can be applied and integrated in SMEs and also pursues the overarching goal of a PD for the circular economy. This circular design toolkit can be developed and proposed in consideration of the product development process model of Integrated Design Engineering, as this approach can also be applied and implemented according to the requirements of SMEs. Finally, a selection of methods from the pre-filtered catalog of methods can be made at company level on an operational and project-specific basis (Ernzer & Birkhofer, 2002). The aim of this contribution is to provide product developers in SMEs with a preselection of methods suitable for circular product development by analyzing the existing CDM from circular design in order to support their development work and activities in the direction of CE and circular design.
Keywords: circular design, design methods, product development, circular design toolkit, SMEs