Research: Making Matters China Design Challenge

Research summary

• August 2021 – May 2022 

The Making Matters China Design Challenge is a multi-disciplinary circular design competition. It explores how the principles of circular design ⁠— durability, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling ⁠— encourage creativity and collaboration in architecture, design and fashion.

The British Council, Manchester Met and Young Green Tech invited Chinese university students from design, engineering, and related disciplines to explore how designers can communicate the principles of the circular economy.

Circular design is a relatively new term but circular systems and practices have existed in different forms around the world for centuries. The circular economy requires a move away from the current model of take, make and discard to a system that regenerates resources, and keeps materials and products in use.

Research from organisations like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation highlights how circular design could shape a more positive future for our planet. To have meaningful impact, these practices must be shared more widely. A global response is required, supported by communities of sustainable designers and makers.

The first step may be to educate people about the impact of their design and material choices. Information must be widely available to allow people to make informed decisions as citizens, rather than as consumers.

This projects supports a global dialogue about circular design by:

• triggering creativity, collaboration and regenerative thinking

• encouraging the exchange of knowledge and expertise

• exploring how design and making can respond to environmental challenges

• supporting restorative and alternative futures

• running the event with a number of international and UK partners

The project is sponsored by IM Motors.

Research outputs

• Media coverage in Taiwan News and Media Outreach.

The project is ongoing and more research outputs will be available when it finishes.