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Business Models and Design Strategies for Circular Economy
Project type
Design management, postgraduate project
Date
2024
Role
Design Strategy / Research
Creative Skills
Design Strategy + Brand Development
Business Model Development
Sustainable + Circular Design Thinking
Visual Communication + Graphic Design
Soft Skills
Strategic Thinking
Adaptability + Problem-Solving
Empathy + Human-Centered Approach
Situation:
Fast furniture has become a growing environmental concern due to its short lifespan and disposal-oriented production model. Unlike traditional handcrafted furniture, which was built to last for generations, fast furniture is designed for convenience and rapid replacement. This leads to significant waste accumulation, with millions of discarded furniture pieces ending up in landfills annually. The challenge is to transition from this linear model to a circular economy that prioritizes longevity, reuse, and minimal environmental impact.
Task: The objective is to identify and implement business models that encourage the circular economy within the furniture industry. This involves addressing key questions such as:
+ How can sustainability and affordability coexist?
+ How can companies maintain profitability while reducing consumption?
+ How can the concept of using products be more attractive than consuming and discarding them?
Response:
To address these challenges, companies can adopt several business models and design strategies stated below, aimed at prolonging product life cycles and reducing waste.
Result:
Implementing these models reduces landfill waste, enhances customer engagement with sustainability, strengthens brand reputation, and shifts consumer habits toward responsible usage, aligning profitability with environmental responsibility.
