Implementing Circular Design Principles

How can rethinking product design drive innovation, circularity and reduce costs?

In this episode, Nicola Stattmann, Co-founder and CEO of OMC°C, explains why circular product development, when integrated from the start, leads to less investment needed.

The conversation looks at how rethinking material and component choices enable innovation and simplify manufacturing, using the Nike Flyknit's reduction from 50 components to 5 as an example.

What you'll hear in this episode: • Why less materials, components, and process steps translates to reduced costs • The role of curiosity and enthusiasm in rethinking how products are made • Why designers need to make their processes transparent to gain alignment across departments

The episode also explores how Stattmann applied these principles at OMC°C, building an interdisciplinary team of top experts to develop a modular urban greening system.

This episode was recorded in German. English subtitles are available on YouTube.

This is the second episode in the series Implementing Circular Design Principles, produced in collaboration with the German Design Council.

The series explores how design decisions shape circular outcomes at the material, product, and system level, following the principles of Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

People Nicola Stattmann, Co-founder and CEO of OMC°C at OMC°C, Büro Nicola Stattmann https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-stattmann-a5b612244/

Patrick Hypscher, Circular Business Strategist, PaaS Expert https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypscher/

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nicola's Career and Achievements 00:39 Personal Insights on Circular Products 02:38 Exploring the Concept of Rethink with Nike Flyknit 06:35 The Importance of Circularity in Product Development 09:11 Challenges and Strategies in Product Design 15:32 OMC-C: Revolutionizing Urban Greening 20:25 Navigating Bureaucratic Hurdles 29:47 Final Thoughts on Circular Design and Impact

About Büro Nicola Stattmann is a Frankfurt-based office founded by product designer Nicola Stattmann that works at the intersection of product design, materials research, and technology.

OMC°C (Office for Micro Climate Cultivation) was co-founded by Nicola Stattmann. The company develops modular greening systems for building façades and urban spaces to counter heat islands and improve biodiversity.

Further Links Find more information on: Circular Design Summit https://www.german-design-council.de/en/circular-design-summit

Nicole Stattman: https://nicolastattmann.com/ Nike Flynit: https://www.nike.com/flyknit VERD: https://omc-c.com/

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