> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/chapters/daring-design/where-do-i-start.md).

# Where do I start?

Whether we are product researchers, designers, process engineers, we need to study, educate ourselves, and continually update our skills. Creating collaborations with professionals, companies, associations, and institutions that face similar problems but offer diverse perspectives, exchanging opinions, engaging in discussions, and experimenting together are essential.

Certainly, one of the first steps to take when designing a new product or updating an existing one is to conduct a product life cycle analysis: LCA assesses the interactions a product or service has with the environment and the industrial system, considering its entire life cycle, including pre-production, production, distribution, use, recycling, and reintegration into the supply chain. This is a procedure codified internationally by ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, but it’s not sufficient for the ambition we aim to represent in this work. 

## Reflexion exercise

Throughout this chapter, we focus on the questions that guide bold, circular, long-term design with a systemic perspective. Asking many questions is a valuable and deeply ecological exercise. Design professionals are probably already accustomed to this practice; however, most of the design emphasis often is on other aspects such as cost, usability, aesthetics, relying on the illusion of the linear economy's unlimited access to raw materials. 

Therefore, in this final part, we will concentrate on the questions necessary to make a product designed for a sustainable future. It's a sample list to which you can add all relevant questions for your specific case. Some of these questions concern the product's design itself, while others allow us to look at the big picture and also take into consideration the economic system within which we can navigate through design. We hope these questions stimulate your curiosity, creativity, and encourage you to broaden your perspective!

### **Products**

•       Is it necessary to produce this product, or are there better alternatives?

•       Is it a “zombie” technology or product?

•       What materials make up the product, and how is it assembled?

•       Can it be easily disassembled?

•       Is it repairable?

•       What is its expected lifespan, and can it be extended?

•       Can the product be updated by replacing individual parts?

•       How much energy is required for its production?

### Business Models

•       Can the product be provided as a service while retaining ownership in the company?

•       Do you want to encourage the return of broken products to the company in exchange for a discount on a new one?

•       Do you want to provide an internal repair and/or upgrade service or partner with local partners for this purpose?

•       Do you want to promote collaborative product use through sharing and exchange?

•       Do you want to promote recycling and resource use?

•       Do you want to create a local industrial ecosystem for material exchange?

Additionally, you can find a list of similar questions, but focused on materials, in Chapter XYZ.

## Practical exercise

For the practical exercise, we invite you to try one of the[ exercises available for free on the Circular Design Guide website](https://www.circulardesignguide.com/resources#workshops). These exercises are suitable for any entry level into the world of design and circularity. They can be conducted individually or in a group and provide a solid foundation for practicing with the questions we suggested earlier.

How would you [ redesign an everyday object](https://emf.thirdlight.com/link/oz98wy6jxvdd-m38bpy/@/preview/1?o) to make it more sustainable? 

* List all the functional and emotional needs it serves. 
* Use the circular strategy cards to brainstorm new solutions that are better for people and the planet.
* With "[Safe and Circular Product Redesign](https://emf.thirdlight.com/link/sud6mp69ctdd-5uxznn/@/preview/1?o)," you will gain an understanding of the implications of integrating safe and circular materials choices in the design process. You'll explore various strategies for replacing and designing out chemicals of concern.

Finally, try to answer the question "How might we scale circularity by leveraging the combined strengths and weaknesses of our organizations?" through the game "[Circular Ventures](https://emf.thirdlight.com/link/2m16orl9jqmo-mpls9d/@/preview/1?o)". Here, you'll put on your entrepreneur's hat to design a new circular joint venture based on your group's shared superpowers.