Browsing by Author "Ferreira, Ana Margarida"
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- Circular and sustainable design : a systemic design model for the transition to a circular and sustainable economyPublication . Camocho, David; Vicente, José; Ferreira, Ana MargaridaABSTRACT: Successful and innovative design practices towards the development of more circular and sustainable products and services that are aligned with the current and future needs of our society rely on efficient practices that combine three main levels in the design and development process. The design management level which is responsible for establishing, planning and managing the development of design projects. The business level, which is focused on the feasibility and effectiveness of the project and its results in the short and long term. Lastly, the design level that is responsible for the implementation and development of circular design projects. This paper is part of a PhD research focused on supporting an innovative and efficient transition to a circular economy and sustainability through design. It describes the basis of a design model under development based on the design thinking process and an expert's survey carried at an international level and the research activities undertaken. It integrates the three levels in a systemic perspective, guiding the process and establishing the link between the needs of the design and development teams in terms of the definition of circularity and sustainability considerations and strategies, objectives and the activities, resources and practical tools needed to support the circular design projects.
- Circular and sustainable products : from theory into practicePublication . Camocho, David; Vicente, José; Ferreira, Ana MargaridaABSTRACT: Circular economy is seen as an innovative path with the potential to achieve a more sustainable society. In this context, and, facing high pressure and motivation from governments, many research projects and initiatives are being developed all over the world. However, we still have a long road ahead in translating the theory and research outputs into practice. For example, in the recently launched report “The circularity Gap report” published by Circular economy in January 2019, our society is only 9% circular and the trend is still negative, the circularity gap is not closing and the upward trend in resource extraction and greenhouse gas emissions has continued in the past 12 months (Circle economy, 2019). In the circular approach to product and service development, which entails fundamental changes in production and consumption systems, where it is necessary to go beyond resource efficiency and recycling (European Environment Agency, 2017), it’s clear the importance of design as an integrating agent in the process. Design professionals, through a redesigned approach to the design practice, applying efficient tools and comprehensive life cycle methods, have the challenge and the potential to transform products, services, and business models. The work presented in the current paper is part of a research project (Camocho, Ferreira, & Vicente, 2018) which aims to support the transition to circular and sustainable economy through design where the authors will explore the current practice, methods, tools and communication elements applied in the development and placement in the market of products claiming to be sustainable and/or circular. The pilot study presented in the paper aims to demonstrate and validate the procedure for the analysis of the process that underlays a representative sample of Portuguese products. The research aims to identify which are the real needs, drivers and barriers faced by designers and product developers in the circular design and development process. The results of the work will underpin a holistic approach, sparking critical thinking and supporting a more efficient design practice for a circular production and consumption.
- The common-sense assessment of sustainabilityPublication . Camocho, David; Vicente, José; Ferreira, Ana MargaridaABSTRACT: Products claiming sustainability benefits have been spreading all over the world in response, manly, to the consumer’s behavior change towards a healthier and more sustainable way of life. However, what guarantee do consumers have that the products they are consuming are in fact more sustainable? Apart from certified products, the consumer believes in a common-sense assessment of sustainability supported in part by self-declarations and allegations from designers, producers, and retailers focusing only in few aspects of the life cycle, and in some cases, misleading consumers through greenwashing approaches. This paper is part of a Ph.D. research aiming to support a transition to circular economy and sustainability through design. The authors explore in this article the consumer perceptions of sustainability in products and communication strategies adopted. The results will support the development of guidelines to promote a more effective design practice for the development of sustainable and circular economy-based products.