In nature, the cycle is governing, resources circulate through photosynthesis, the water and carbon cycles in the ecosystem. Despite this, we have designed an economic system that is linear. The consumer society is based on a linear “take-make-dispose” model which means that resources are extracted to build new products and when these products are used, they are discarded. This approach has led to a decrease in finite resources and an increase in human climate impact that is increasing as our economy grow.
In the face of negative climate impact, one of our most pressing challenges, achieving resource circularity stand out as paramount. The circular economy is an emerging concept that aims to reduce waste and promote sustainability by designing products and systems that can be reused, repaired, or recycled. However, making the shift and implementing circular solutions requires innovative approaches that can overcome the barriers of the linear economy, such as consumer behaviour, market incentives, and regulatory frameworks. To address these multidisciplinary issues, experts and scholars alike emphasise Systems Thinking, and Design Thinking as fundamental approaches. Yet, the bridge between theory and action relies on collaborative efforts. This text introduces the impact of infusing Collective Intelligence (CI) into the fabric of Systems Thinking and Design Thinking. It illuminates how CI can seamlessly weave through these methodologies driving real change within businesses and propelling the journey toward a flourishing circular economy.
Brief description of theories
Systems Thinking: A way of understanding the complex and dynamic relationships between the elements of a system. It helps us to see the big picture, identify the root causes of problems, and find leverage points for interventions. Systems thinking is essential for the circular economy, as it enables us to comprehend the interdependencies and feedback loops between products, resources, energy, and human behaviour. Systems thinking also helps us anticipate the consequences of our actions and avoid unintended side effects using tools such as casual loop diagrams, flow diagrams, and system archetypes.
Design Thinking: A human-centred approach to innovation that involves empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing. It helps us understand the needs and desires of users, generate creative and feasible solutions, and iterate based on feedback. Design thinking encourages us to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities. Therefore, it is an important method for the circular economy, as it enables us to create products and services that are not only desirable, but also durable, and regenerative.
Collective Intelligence: A set of abilities to share and integrate knowledge within teams and gain leverage from all group members. Collaboration is a critical skill for the circular economy, as it enables us to effectively interact with various stakeholders and partners to co-create circular solutions. Collective intelligence is not a given attribute of a group, but rather a result of how the group works together. This way of utilizing human potential is built on four capabilities: Representation (creating a shared understanding of the common task), Reflection (learning from experience), Relation (creating psychological safety), and Integration (contributing to the team). Managing cognitive diversity and knowledge integration can be developed through deliberate practice and using methods that facilitate reflection, communication, feedback, and coordination.
Enabling the shift
Systems Thinking: Understanding the context
Imagine the circular economy as a complex patchwork, where each piece connects to another. Systems Thinking helps us become intellectual architects deciphering the intricacies of products, resources, energy, and human behaviour.
Embedded within Systems Thinking, CI encourages stakeholders from various domains to join the conversation. Through interdisciplinary exchanges and open discussions, CI enhances Systems Thinking by highlighting patterns, amplifying feedback loops, and deepening our grasp of interdependence. Understanding and conceptualising the system is not achieved in solitude; with stronger collaboration, the outcomes can vastly improve. Focusing on strengthening the teams describing the systems, using CI, deepens the understanding of our business context. This empowers us to address the systemic challenges embedded in the fabric of the circular economy.
Design Thinking: Expanding Innovative Pathways
Human-centric solutions are key to stay relevant as business as legislation and consumer behaviour change. Here, the synergistic power of CI seamlessly converges with the iterative approach of Design Thinking, forging pathways that boldly challenge conventional norms. Design Thinking, as a method for circularity, envisions a world where collaboration leads to solutions thoughtfully tailored to user needs, and where products are designed for durability and regeneration. Acknowledging the significance of cross-organisational collaboration, CI extends the spectrum of knowledge and expertise applied to the design process. In doing so, CI weaves a rich tapestry of diverse viewpoints that contribute to novel insights and creative thinking.
Engaging multiple actors, across disciplines, the sense of ownership is increased within traditional organisational affiliations. In doing so it encourage development and transformation. As CI-infused Design Thinking gains momentum, collaborative endeavours yield captivating ideas. Within businesses, CI-driven collaboration enhances resource optimisation and propels sustainability.
Collective Intelligence: Catalysing change
Collective Intelligence weaves a thread of emphasis on collaboration through Systems Thinking and Design Thinking. It nurtures dialogues that enrich perspectives, ignite discussions, and propel us towards a more sustainable discourse. Beyond strategic calculations, CI fosters innovation, nurturing a collaboration that treasures wisdom born of shared efforts. It shapes circular designs that align with the environment, the economy, as well as human well-being. As Collective Intelligence converges with Systems and Design Thinking, the circular economy emerges as a testament to collective wisdom and transformative potential.
