A multi-hierarchical “Design for X” framework for accelerating circular economy

Design for X (DfX) is a tool that was originally applied in the engineering field to break-up the complexity of product development. The term is now also being used to define sustainable behavior and business model strategies. Despite this, however, there seems to be a gap when considering design strategies that facilitate collaboration between disciplines. This gap restricts businesses from implementing an incisive and consistent systematic strategy for a circular economy. In order to make a first step towards addressing this gap, this paper aims to develop a hierarchical classification framework of DfX strategies for designers. This approach could facilitate the further development of a tool which has already been created for DfX. A key part of the method deployed is an interview guide approach, where five experts from across academia and industry, were interviewed. This qualitative research draws on their diverse expertise and generates an intersectoral link between different fields. Moreover, this tool can be used to highlight relationships between different circular economy strategies, by providing insights into how interdisciplinary design decisions influence each other. Such an approach could allow designers to effectively visualize the bigger picture and positively influence the application and acceleration of the circular economy.