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Discover and develop sustainable design and engineering methods to improve the reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling of products for a circular economy.
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Products and equipment all around us are made of materials: look around you and you will see phones, computers, cars, and buildings. We face challenges in securing the supply of materials and the impact this has on the planet. Innovative product design can help us find solutions to these challenges. This course will explore new ways of designing products.
The design of products is an important aspect of a circular economy. The circular economy approach addresses material supply challenges by keeping materials in use much longer and eventually returning materials for new use. The principle is that waste must be minimized. Products will be designed to last longer. They will be easier to Reuse, Repair, and Remanufacture. The product will eventually be broken down and Recycled. This is Design for R and is the focus of this course.
Experts from leading European universities and research organizations will explain the latest strategies in product design. Current design approaches lead to waste, loss of value and loss of resources. You will learn about the innovative ways in which companies are creating value, whilst securing their supply chains, by integrating Design for R.
This course is suitable for all learners who have an interest in product design, innovative engineering, new business activity, entrepreneurship, sustainability, circular economy and everyone who thinks that the current way we do things today needs a radical rethink.
Intended for design and engineering students and professionals. This course is aimed at students and working professionals with a basic background knowledge of design, engineering, and Circular Economy. If you want to learn the basics of Design for a Circular Economy we invite you to take a look at Circular Economy: An introductionbefore the start of this course. Previous knowledge of Circular Economy concepts is preferred but not necessary.
Week 1. Introduction: The materials challenge and the importance of product design for a Circular Economy. Focus on economic and social drivers and barriers to change.
Week 2. Design for Reuse: Towards the production of long-lasting products with reliable performance and minimum maintenance requirements. Product use intensification in the Sharing Economy.
Week 3. Design for Repair: Allows quick and efficient access to key components and connections. Making products fit for use again in a time- and resource-effective way.
Week 4. Design for Remanufacture: Re-manufactured products should look and perform as new. This implies a complex new system of reverse logistics, cleaning and conditioning facilities, as well as a shift in client and consumer mentality.
Week 5. Design for Recycle: Eventually most products will be broken down into individual materials. Choices such as the use of composites or chemical connections affects the recyclability and economic value of materials.
Week 6. Conclusion: Thinking in loops. Creating sustainable value through strategic product and business design for a Circular Economy.
Who can take this course?
Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.
Who can take this course?
Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.
