How Distributed Design might drive the circular transition

Distributed Design can help democratise design and manufacturing, which can contribute to the circular agenda. Furthermore, a distributed approach to design can help set designers free from centralised manufacturing and globalised (non-resilient) supply chains by working in shorter ones. Distributed Design can extend the longevity of products and materials, e.g., by applying digital manufacturing techniques to produce new spare parts for products. And finally, Distributed Design allows makers and designers to open up processes, enabling other makers and designers or even manufacturers to produce locally, thereby minimising transportation.

• Alternative economic models
• Circular economy
• Distributed manufacturing
• Maker culture