The article presents a new view on design and its future. From the discipline associated with solving problems – frequently aesthetic or utilitarian in nature – design is turning into the tool for introducing considerable system changes and shaping our future. One of the most interesting methodologies that allow us to consider such a different role of design is circular design. This article describes the transformation towards the “circular approach” that follows the principles of circular economy. The authors look at this notion through the designer’s eye – thinking about the entire product life cycle and its surroundings as early as the design process – as well as from the entrepreneur’s perspective. The described barriers, benefits and manners of introducing circularity to the organisation show the complexity of such operations and indicate the starting point of this type of design. The authors persuade that despite all the difficulties, circular economy seems to be the right direction, and circular design – a proper tool for introducing changes and making innovations we need.
Keywords: circular design, design for the future, sustainable development, circular economy