Re-envisioning material circulation and designing process in upcycling design product life cycle

Abstract

Background Recently, upcycling design arose as an alternative solution to the problem of waste management and sustainable consumption. Upcycling design is also recognized as an environmental awareness movement, expanded from individuals to the state level. Nevertheless, from the aspect of material circulation that aspires to follow cradle-to-cradle design, upcycling design lacks discussions about the next phase of upcycled products. Methods This study re-envisioned the relationship between upcycled materials and upcycling design product life cycle by ephemeral research. The relations of raw materials, upcycled materials, and circulation system of upcycling product life cycle, were the points of analysis. Based on a literature review, this study utilized design thinking methodology by combining action research methodology -user survey and designers' focus interviews- to examine how the material value works in the upcycling design product system and designing process. Results Through case analysis, this study identified the value of material life experience in an upcycling design process. As a result, this study developed a sustainable 'Iterative Upcycling Design Process Model' as a conceptual model of continuous material life cycle in the upcycling product designing system. Conclusions Raising the issue of second life cycle of upcycled product, this study examined the material life experience in the upcycling design process in Korea. A legitimate design process concerned with material life cycle proposed by this study would reach a resolution of sustainable upcycling design. © 2018, Korean Society of Design Science.