Circular Design Training Program

Societal and economic needs have evolved, and we are entering an era where products and services are designed to benefit everyone, respect the boundaries of our planet, and protect the environment.



The design sector is also changing rapidly, and designers, especially those who have already graduated and been working in the profession for some time, need continuous training and skills updating in order to meet changing demands. The sector itself must adapt by developing new methods and models focused on sustainability and circularity. Designers play a crucial role in helping other industries meet the EU’s emission reduction targets, create sustainable products, promote circular business models, and empower consumers to participate in the green transition. Additionally, the design industry itself needs support in its own transition to sustainability.



This calls for urgent action to ensure that we have more designers with the skills needed to meet the growing demand. Despite the key role designers play in the transition to circularity, many still struggle to meet the challenges posed by sustainability goals.



The main objective of this project is to collaboratively address the shared challenge of enhancing designers' ability and skills to integrate circular economy principles into their work. The aim is to develop educational content that strengthens designers' ability and readiness to apply circular economy principles in their work. The project has received funding from the Erasmus+ program (KA210-ADU - Small-scale partnerships in adult education)



Circular Design Training Program project was kicked off in September 2024 in Tallinn, at the premises of the Estonian Design Centre in the Telliskivi area. Experts from LAB Design Institute of Design and Fine Arts and the Estonian Design Centre outlined the project's activities during the kick-off meeting and planned workshops to be implemented during the autumn.
Project period
-
Project state
Finished
Project area
International
Project funding
Erasmus+ 2021-2027
LAB role
Partner
Unit
Institute of Design and Fine Arts
Project focus area
Intangible value creation
Takes place in project

The course framework: Beyond Circular Design

Developed through an Estonian–Finnish collaboration, the Circular Design Training Program project resulted in a new training framework that supports designers in adopting circular and regenerative design practices. The Beyond Circular Design framework explores how designers can strengthen their role as change-makers in the sustainability transition.

Beyond Circular Design aims to equip designers to become circular design leaders within their respective industries. It focuses on understanding the evolving role of designers and effectively integrating sustainability and circularity into specific design fields. The framework also seeks to empower designers to navigate obstacles, seize opportunities, and drive the transition towards a circular economy — ultimately fostering the development of future-oriented design skills.

Co-created with professionals, educators, and stakeholders through iterative workshops and collaborative development, the framework offers practical tools and insights to help designers move from linear to systemic and regenerative design approaches. Download the Beyond Circular Design Report here

Cover page of the Beyond Circular Design Report 



Design Talks – Beyond Circular Design

On August 14th, 2025, the Circular Design Training Program hosted an online Design Talks seminar to celebrate the launch of its new designer development curriculum, Beyond Circular Design: Skills for Systemic Change. The event included a final presentation of the Erasmus+ project and a Q&A session with the project team.

The Beyond Circular Design program is designed to equip designers with the mindset and skills needed to lead systemic change. By integrating sustainability, circularity, and planet-centered ethics, the curriculum empowers designers to create regenerative, resilient, and inclusive solutions. The program consists of five interconnected modules: systems, people, business, design field, and design process. Download the Final Presentation here

Watch the recording here


Person presenting in the final event of the project


Beyond Circular Design Erasmus+ Final Presentation 14.8.2025
 

Join us on 14.08.2025 for an online DesignTalks seminar to celebrate the launch of our new designers' development study program Beyond Circular Design Erasmus+ Final Presentation and Q&A. 

Beyond Circular Design: Skills for systemic change  program is designed to transform designers into systemic thinkers and leaders capable of tackling complex global challenges. By integrating principles of sustainability, circularity, and planet-centered ethics, the curriculum equips designers with the mindset and skills to create solutions that are not only innovative but also resilient, regenerative, and respectful of planetary boundaries. It is divided into five integrated modules: Systems, people, business, design field and design process. Register here


Design Talks online event banner



 

Expert workshop at Estonian Design Centre focusing on the development of the Circular Design Training framework 5.5.2025 

Estonian Design Centre hosted a collaborative workshop at its Telliskivi office in Tallinn, bringing together a group of Estonian and Finnish experts to discuss and refine the framework for a new Circular Design Training program. The workshop was part of an ongoing development process of the project.

Participants provided valuable feedback that helped move the framework toward its finalization. The discussions highlighted the importance of deep sustainability expertise in design education and how designers can apply this knowledge in their everyday practice. One key outcome of the workshop was a shared understanding that the framework should represent more than just a traditional Circular Design course. The group explored potential names for the program, recognizing its broader ambition to support systemic and regenerative design approaches.

People participating a workshop in Tallinn


Report: Circular design training courses, tools & methods – Current landscape and future needs

The Circular Design Training Program has published a background report mapping existing course materials, tools, and methods related to circular design. The report highlights the urgent need to update designers’ skills in response to accelerating sustainability demands and regulatory changes. As the design sector plays a key role in enabling the green transition, the report identifies gaps in current training offerings and outlines future directions for developing more impactful, designer-specific education. It also emphasizes the importance of moving beyond linear models and weak sustainability toward regenerative and systemic design approaches. Download the report here 

Co-developing the course modules at LAB 27.11.2024

LAB University of Applied Sciences organised a joint workshop with the Estonian Design Centre to co-develop the modules for the Circular Design Training program. The workshop focused on integrating systems thinking and circular economy principles into design education. A designer-driven approach was emphasized as key to enabling sustainable and regenerative change. The workshop marked an important step toward training that supports the transition from linear models to ecologically responsible solutions. Read more here



Post-it notes in a workshop


Experts from Estonia and Finland gathered in Tallinn to explore circular design skills and training needs 18.11.2024

As a first step in the joint development process, experts from Estonia and Finland convened at the Estonian Design Centre in Tallinn to identify key barriers and opportunities for implementing circular design. The workshop, facilitated by Leyla Acaroglu, also explored the essential skills required for circular designers.

experts from Estonia and Finland convened at the Estonian Design Centre

 

Kick-off in Tallinn: Planning the next steps of Circular Design Training project 30.9.2024
 


On September 30th, 2024, LAB University of Applied Sciences and the Estonian Design Centre launched their joint project with a kick-off meeting held at the Estonian Design Centre’s office in the dynamic Telliskivi area of Tallinn. The session focused on refining the project’s implementation strategy and defining concrete next steps to support designers in transitioning toward more sustainable and circular practices. The meeting strengthened cross-border collaboration and laid a solid foundation for advancing design-led sustainability through education and innovation. Read more here



Project team members from LAB University of Applied Sciences and the Estonian Design Centre participating in the kick-off meeting of the Circular Design Training program in Tallinn.





 

Sustainable Development Goals
Project managers
Aino Vepsäläinen
Chief specialist
aino [dot] vepsalainenatlab [dot] fi