Circular radio alarm clock

The assignment was to analyse and redesign an existing product (a radio alarm clock) from the perspective of circular design.

The challenge lay in improving the sustainability of the product by focusing on:

• Repairability
• Modularity
• Material use and environmental impact

In addition, the design had to be substantiated with various analysis methods and translated into concrete design improvements.

The final result is a substantiated redesign of a radio alarm clock, in which the circularity of the product has been significantly improved. Within my section the focus was on:

• Analysing the product and identifying repairability bottlenecks
• Developing a design proposal in which components are more accessible and replaceable
• Substantiating material choices using a performance index

• A radio alarm clock in which key components can easily be detached
• An improvement of the repairability score from 3.5 to 7.5
• A material choice (PLA) that results in a lower CO₂ footprint
• A visually developed concept with models and posters

I carried out this project in a group of 3, where each group member developed their own design direction within the theme of circularity. My role within the project:

• Conducting product analyses and identifying repairability issues
• Choosing and developing an innovation opportunity focused on restorability
• Substantiating design choices with methods such as the performance index
• Developing the design through sketches and digital models
• Creating a visual poster presentation of my concept

• Analysing the existing radio alarm clock (structure, materials, use)
• Identifying problems around difficult-to-replace components
• Developing a design where components can be disassembled without tools
• Applying material analysis to make more sustainable choices
• Iterating based on feedback and improving the design
• My focus was primarily on translating analysis into concrete, feasible design improvements.

The result is a strong response to the assignment because:

• The design demonstrably improves the repairability of the product
• Circularity has been taken into account through material and design choices
• The product is easier to disassemble and repair
• All design choices are substantiated with analyses and methods
• Ability to conduct product analyses and translate them into design improvements
• Understanding of circular design and sustainability
• Technical and material choices can be substantiated
• Ability to independently develop a design section within a group project
• Ability to reflect on my own process and collaboration