Sustainable design is a complex, multifaceted challenge. It extends far beyond material selection to include product longevity, reparability, recyclability, adaptability, carbon footprint, and manufacturing location: all within the broader context of a circular economy. 

While any product or service can strive to meet these sustainability goals for people and the planet, assistive devices present an even greater challenge. These products must adhere to strict functional, hygiene, and health requirements, which can create hard boundaries that influence design choices. 

At Bang Creations, we address these demanding requirements by applying our unique Design Compass methodology. The approach allows us to test and explore every design decision, balancing sustainability, user needs, and regulatory requirements. This creates assistive devices that are both environmentally responsible and genuinely useful for the people who rely on them. 

Firstly, it’s important we understand the meaning of the circular economy 

What is a circular economy?

A circular economy eliminates waste and maximises the use of resources. Unlike the traditional linear model of “take, make, dispose,” it keeps products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible through strategies such as:

• Designing for longevity and durability 

• Repair, maintenance, and refurbishment 

• Reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling 

• Reducing carbon footprint and material waste 

The goal is to create a closed-loop system where resources circulate, environmental impact is minimised, and value is preserved throughout the entire lifecycle of a product. 

Translating it into design for assistive devices 

This design thinking needs to start early. Once a direction and early concepts begin to form, Bang uses the Design Compass to refine the initial ideas and test them against key sustainability criteria. This helps identify where the concept can achieve best-in-class sustainable performance and where improvements are needed. 

We ask critical questions such as: 

• How long will it last? 
  Considering durable, modular designs that extend product life. 

• What materials does it use? 
  Prioritising recyclable materials and ensuring end-of-life recovery. 

• How much energy does it use? 
  Evaluating manufacturing location, shipping implications, and carbon footprint across the supply chain. 

• How efficient is it? 
  Ensuring components are repairable and upgradeable to reduce waste. 

• What else can it be? 
  Assessing whether the product is truly needed, how well it fulfils that need, and whether there is a more resource-efficient alternative. 

By referencing the Design Compass you will see that these questions are just a few we ask of our design solution.  

The outcome is a closed-loop approach, where the assistive device retains value throughout its lifecycle while minimising environmental impact. 

Outcome & Impact 

Whilst assistive devices have their own set of challenges, the final outcome can achieve a balance of usability, safety, and sustainability, demonstrating that these products can be designed to: 

• Support long-term user independence and comfort 

• Minimise environmental footprint through reparability and recyclability 

• Meet strict functional, hygiene, and regulatory requirements 

• Align with a circular economy approach, preserving value and resources 

By combining user-centred design with a structured, sustainability-led methodology, Bang Creations delivers assistive devices that are both good for people and the planet. 

Conclusion 

Designing sustainable, circular economy-aligned assistive devices is challenging but achievable with the right approach. At Bang Creations, our Design Compass methodology ensures that every design decision is tested for usability, compliance, and environmental impact, resulting in products that are safe, effective, and sustainable and desirable. 

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