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Circular Systems Sandbox: A process tool for circular systems design and rebound effect reduction

Author

Listed:
  • Henry Willem Müller

    (HSG - University of St.Gallen)

  • Konstantin Remke

    (ESCP Europe Campus Berlin - ESCP Europe - Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris)

Abstract

This paper develops and validates a novel design artifact called Circular Systems Sandbox. While there is an abundance of literature on new product development and business model innovation, a notable gap exists in integrating these two domains. More systemic design is deemed indispensable because the mismatched design of products, services, business models and collaborations lead to harmful rebound effects. We employ a mixed methods design science approach involving 31 expert interviews, 11 workshops, and an experimental evaluation with 108 participants. The findings demonstrate that the Circular Systems Sandbox significantly enhances the quality of circular product and business model design, providing a practical and comprehensive framework for entrepreneurs. The study contributes to theory by elucidating the interconnections within Circular Systems Design, offering preventive strategies for rebound effects, and aligning with calls for systemic solutions for the Circular Economy. This paper not only advances Circular Systems Design as a concept but also empirically proves its utility, encouraging future research and application in diverse sectors.

Suggested Citation

  • Henry Willem Müller & Konstantin Remke, 2025. "Circular Systems Sandbox: A process tool for circular systems design and rebound effect reduction," Post-Print hal-05547749, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05547749
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbvd.2025.100028
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://normandie-univ.hal.science/hal-05547749v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hervé Corvellec & Alison F. Stowell & Nils Johansson, 2022. "Critiques of the circular economy," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(2), pages 421-432, April.
    2. Robert H. W. Boyer & Ann‐Charlotte Mellquist & Mats Williander & Sara Fallahi & Thomas Nyström & Marcus Linder & Peter Algurén & Emanuela Vanacore & Agnieszka D. Hunka & Emma Rex & Katherine A. Whalen, 2021. "Three‐dimensional product circularity," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(4), pages 824-833, August.
    3. Fenna Blomsma & Mike Tennant & Ritsuko Ozaki, 2023. "Making sense of circular economy: Understanding the progression from idea to action," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(3), pages 1059-1084, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Konstantin Remke & Sönke Mestwerdt & Matthias Mrożewski & Maximilian Tigges & René Mauer, 2026. "Complexity Navigation and Dual Enablement: Business Model Innovation at the Intersection of AI and the Circular Economy," Post-Print hal-05547705, HAL.
    2. Christoph Seckler & René Mauer & Jan vom Brocke & Marvin Hanisch & Stephanie Schrage & Orestis Terzidis & Barbara E. Weißenberger, 2025. "Design Science Across Disciplines: Building Bridges for Advancing Impactful Business Research," Schmalenbach Journal of Business Research, Springer, vol. 77(4), pages 719-761, December.

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