A metric for assessing the upgradability and adaptability of circular concepts

• Published in: Resources, conservation and recycling conservation and recycling, 2024-06, Vol.205, p.107512, Article 107512
• Main Authors: Royo, Marta, Mulet, Elena, Chulvi, Vicente, Ruiz-Pastor, Laura
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptability; Circular design; Conceptual design; Metric; Upgradability
• ISSN: 0921-3449; 1879-0658
• DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107512

•Products rarely consider adaptation to changing user needs.•Encouraging adaptability promotes the use phase of products and would avoid discarding them prematurely.•There is no metric to evaluate the adaptability of concepts.•A metric has been developed to evaluate conceptual proposals in terms of adaptability.•To continue analysing the parameters that shape the metric to facilitate its application. This study proposes a metric for assessing the upgradability and adaptability of circular design concepts. Both design strategies are part of the design for slow loops, which is based on extending the life of products as long as possible. To achieve this, different parameters have been defined such as Standard Design Unit, Function Use Time and frequency of use and rates. Subsequently, the metric has been validated with the practical application to four baby stroller concept solutions. This metric could be useful to discern which is the best concept in terms of Total Function Use Value of the functions considered in each scenario according to the estimated material to realize them and comparing it. Encouraging the strategies of adaptability and upgradability in the conceptual design phase would help in optimizing the use of resources, both technical and biological, to give them the longest possible service life and durability. [Display omitted]