Circular Design Thinking unit (KDA105)

Introduction

This 3-day intensive introduces students to fundamental circular design thinking principles and practical methodologies that can be applied throughout this degree and beyond. You will explore how to reimagine products, services, and systems to eliminate waste, create sustainable value and have regenerative impact. Working both individually and collaboratively, you will evaluate existing design solutions against circular economy principles and transform linear systems into regenerative models through strategic design interventions. The unit emphasises the designer's ethical responsibility in addressing complex sustainability challenges and explores the historical contexts that have shaped current production and consumption patterns. By completing this you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to drive innovation toward more sustainable and equitable futures using design tools, it is expected that you will use the tools and methods throughout your other units, and compile a reflection on how you have used these tools as part of AT3 in Week 10. This unit requires pre-reading before attendance. There are approximately18 hours of content that you need to complete in the week prior to the 3-day intensive, ensure you have read the associated content.

Summary

Unit name	Circular Design Thinking
Unit code	KDA105
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Architecture and Design
Discipline	Architecture & Design
Coordinator	Doctor Vanessa Ward
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the fundamental principles of circular economy and how they relate to sustainable design practices.
• Evaluate existing design solutions using circular economy principles.
• Apply circular design thinking methodologies to analyse product and service lifecycles.
• Transform linear product/service systems into regenerative models through design interventions.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Teaching

Assessment	Circular Design Thinking Action Plan & Reflection (20%)|Circular Product Innovation Project (40%)|Design Sprint Workbook (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.
Recommended	Sedini, C., et al. (2024). "Shifting Design Thinking to a Circular Design Perspective: Reframing the Process of Circular Innovation." Design Research Quarterly.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.