Circular design in the context of graphic design activism and its effect on design education

The concept of Circular Economy and Design has become a significant topic in many academic education institutions in European countries. Graphic design also needs to support and align with the product and production quality dimension of the transition to the Circular economy for a more sustainable world. However, there is no attempt in the literature to include the concept of DE in the undergraduate graphic design curriculum. This thesis presents the first results of graphic design teaching activities which is structured with Circular Economy and Design in a faculty of fine arts. The integration of research and design education provided students with an interdisciplinary learning environment. Students understood that in the early stages of the design process they needed to address challenges from a holistic and systematic perspective. It also provided evidence that circular solutions developed by students as part of the case study were viewed by jury as effective alternatives for achieving sustainability goals.