Decision Support for Lightweight Design and Design for Circularity: A Trade-Off Analysis

Abstract

The need for resource efficiency in sustainable development and environmental responsibility emphasizes the importance of lightweight design and design for circularity in product development. However, the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of decision-making in these areas pose a major challenge. Therefore, the present work proposes a novel approach for trade-off analysis to facilitate decision-making in conceptual design. Illustrated by a case study on the development of a semi-mobile handling system, five fundamental design strategies for decision-making are identified and discussed. This enables a nuanced understanding of resource optimization in the context of complex design considerations and environmental requirements.