Engineering Design for a Circular Economy from edX

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.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Integrate life-cycle design into your skillset and your company vision.
Understand the strategic importance of raw material supply and conservation.
Effectively balance value creation with industrial sustainability.

Improve your strategic design skills to make better decisions.
Learn “ design for r ” strategies: reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling.

Integrate life-cycle design into your skillset and your company vision.
Understand the strategic importance of raw material supply and conservation.
Effectively balance value creation with industrial sustainability.
Improve your strategic design skills to make better decisions.
Learn “ design for r ” strategies: reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling.

Syllabus

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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores design strategies for a circular economy, which is standard in manufacturing industries

Taught by experts from leading European universities and research organizations

Develops skills in design for reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling, which are core for manufacturing

Covers the latest strategies in product design, which may give learners an edge in their work

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in product design

Teaches skills that are highly relevant to industry, which may make learners more desirable candidates

Reviews summary

Engineering design for circularity principles

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in engineering design for a circular economy, emphasizing practical strategies like Design for R (Reuse, Repair, Remanufacture, Recycle). Many found the content highly relevant for professionals, offering actionable insights for sustainable value creation and supply chain security. While the expert lectures are largely praised for clarity and depth, some feedback suggests the course is best suited for those seeking a broad overview rather than highly specialized engineering details. It’s an excellent starting point for integrating sustainability into product development.

Excellent for beginners; less for advanced specialists.

"For someone new to the circular economy, this course is an excellent introduction and gives a good, comprehensive overview."

"I found it to be a great starting point, though I was hoping for more in-depth engineering specifics and advanced techniques."

"It provides a comprehensive introduction to the topic without diving too deep into highly technical or niche design details."

Clear, logical progression through key design principles.

"The weekly modules were logically organized, building up knowledge progressively from introduction to conclusion."

"I found the pacing just right, allowing enough time to absorb the concepts without feeling rushed through the material."

"The syllabus topics, from Reuse to Recycle, were covered comprehensively and clearly, making the learning path easy to follow."

Provides actionable insights for real-world application.

"I learned practical strategies for Design for R that I can immediately apply in my engineering or product development role."

"The examples of companies implementing circular economy principles were very inspiring and useful for understanding real-world impact."

"This course gave me concrete tools to start integrating life-cycle design into our company vision and product development process."

Delivered by leading university and research experts.

"The instructors from Delft University of Technology provided very clear and insightful lectures throughout the course."

"I appreciated the academic rigor and the deep expertise of the professors in each module, making complex topics accessible."

"The course material was well-structured and presented complex ideas in an understandable way, thanks to the expert delivery."

Addresses crucial global challenges in sustainability.

"I found the content incredibly relevant to current global material challenges and the future of product design."

"This course is a must-have for anyone looking into sustainable business practices and circular economy models."

"The course clearly articulates the importance of rethinking current approaches to product design and consumption."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy with these activities:

Read "Circular Economy" by Walter Stahel

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Gain a deeper understanding of circular economy principles.

View The Circular Economy: A User's Guide on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Read the book and take notes.
Apply the concepts to your own work.

Review Life Cycle Assessment

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Review Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) concepts and methodologies to enhance your understanding of environmental impacts and support decision-making.

Browse courses on Life Cycle Assessment

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Practice using LCA software or tools.
Revisit the principles and stages of LCA.
Review case studies and examples of LCA applications.

Survey the course outline and syllabi

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Refresh the knowledge covered in the course by doing a quick review of course materials.

Browse courses on Reuse

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Read the course outline and syllabi.

Seven other activities

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Show all ten activities

Identify potential mentors in the field of Design for R

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Expand your knowledge and connections by seeking out mentors.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Research professionals in the field of Design for R.
Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in learning from them.

Explore Case Studies in Design for R

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Delve into real-world examples of Design for R strategies to gain practical insights and expand your understanding.

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Identify case studies of products or industries that successfully implement Design for R principles.
Analyze the challenges and solutions presented in these case studies.
Reflect on the implications for your own product design projects.

Find real world instances of Design for R

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Complete exercises to solidify your knowledge of Design for R.

Browse courses on Reuse

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Identify real-world examples of Design for R.
Research case studies and best practices.

Develop a Design for R project proposal

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Start a project to test your knowledge of Design for R.

Browse courses on Design Thinking

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Define a problem statement that addresses a need in the market.
Conduct research and analysis to identify potential solutions.
Develop a project proposal outlining your concept, target market, and potential impact.

Create a blog post or article about Design for R

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Solidify your understanding of Design for R by creating a blog post or article.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Choose a specific aspect of Design for R to focus on.
Research and gather information from credible sources.
Write a well-structured blog post or article that provides valuable insights and perspectives.
Share your blog post or article on relevant platforms.

Attend industry events and webinars on Design for R

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Expand your knowledge by attending industry events and webinars.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Research industry events and webinars related to Design for R.
Attend these events and take notes on key insights.
Network with professionals in the field.

Develop a Design for R Concept Guide

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Create a comprehensive guide that summarizes the key concepts and strategies of Design for R, providing a valuable resource for your learning and reference.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Research and gather information on Design for R principles and best practices.
Organize and structure the content in a logical and accessible manner.
Develop clear and concise explanations, supported by examples and case studies.
Consider incorporating visuals, diagrams, and real-world applications to enhance understanding.

Career center

Learners who complete Engineering Design for a Circular Economy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Engineer

Sustainability Engineers play an essential role in the development of eco-friendly products and services. They find innovative solutions to reduce waste, emissions, and energy consumption. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy can help you understand the principles of circular economy and learn how to apply them to product design. This can help you build a strong foundation for a successful career as a Sustainability Engineer.

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Product Designer

Product Designers are responsible for the design and development of products. They consider factors such as functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy can help you learn how to design products that can be reused, repaired, and recycled. This knowledge can help you become a more effective Product Designer in the circular economy.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials for use in a variety of industries. They consider factors such as strength, durability, and sustainability. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy can help you understand the challenges of material supply and conservation. This knowledge can help you develop new materials that are more sustainable and can be used in a circular economy.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers work to protect the environment by developing solutions to pollution and other environmental problems. They consider factors such as water quality, air quality, and waste management. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy can help you understand the principles of circular economy and learn how to apply them to environmental engineering. This knowledge can help you become a more effective Environmental Engineer in the circular economy.

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Circular Economy Consultant

Circular Economy Consultants help businesses and organizations transition to a circular economy. They develop strategies for reducing waste, emissions, and energy consumption. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy can help you understand the principles of circular economy and learn how to apply them to business and organizational practices. This knowledge can help you become a more effective Circular Economy Consultant.

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Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and control of the movement of goods and services. They consider factors such as cost, efficiency, and sustainability. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy can help you understand the challenges and opportunities of supply chain management in a circular economy. This knowledge can help you become a more effective Supply Chain Manager in the circular economy.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities. They consider factors such as market trends, customer needs, and competitive advantage. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy can help you understand the principles of circular economy and learn how to apply them to business development. This knowledge can help you become a more effective Business Development Manager in the circular economy.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and develop policies that address social, economic, and environmental issues. They consider factors such as effectiveness, feasibility, and equity. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy can help you understand the principles of circular economy and learn how to apply them to policy development. This knowledge can help you become a more effective Policy Analyst in the circular economy.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct scientific research to advance knowledge and understanding in various fields. They consider factors such as methodology, ethics, and impact. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy may be useful for researchers who are interested in studying the circular economy. This course can help you develop a deeper understanding of the principles of circular economy and learn how to apply them to your research.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects and grade levels. They consider factors such as curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy may be useful for teachers who are interested in incorporating sustainability into their teaching. This course can help you develop a deeper understanding of the principles of circular economy and learn how to apply them to your teaching.

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Journalist

Journalists research and write news stories for a variety of media outlets. They consider factors such as accuracy, objectivity, and timeliness. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy may be useful for journalists who are interested in reporting on sustainability issues. This course can help you develop a deeper understanding of the principles of circular economy and learn how to apply them to your reporting.

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Lawyer

Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to clients. They consider factors such as the law, ethics, and precedent. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy may be useful for lawyers who are interested in specializing in environmental law. This course can help you develop a deeper understanding of the principles of circular economy and learn how to apply them to your legal practice.

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Doctor

Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They consider factors such as the patient's health, medical history, and lifestyle. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy may be useful for doctors who are interested in promoting sustainability in the healthcare industry. This course can help you develop a deeper understanding of the principles of circular economy and learn how to apply them to your medical practice.

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Engineer

Engineers design, build, and maintain a variety of structures and systems. They consider factors such as safety, efficiency, and cost. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy may be useful for engineers who are interested in designing sustainable products and systems. This course can help you develop a deeper understanding of the principles of circular economy and learn how to apply them to your engineering work.

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Architect

Architects design and build buildings and other structures. They consider factors such as aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. This course in Engineering Design for a Circular Economy may be useful for architects who are interested in designing sustainable buildings. This course can help you develop a deeper understanding of the principles of circular economy and learn how to apply them to your architectural design work.

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