Product Journey Mapping

Start by asking yourself: how long is the intended use phase initially for the product or service? And could this be extended?

Then, ask yourself “what’s next?” What happens after its first use cycle?

• Does it return to the biosphere? (e.g. packaging that biodegrades)
• Does it get reused or repurposed by a new user? (e.g. a cell phone that someone else uses after you in a new market or a wine bottle becoming a decorative item)
• Does it get repaired or refurbished? (e.g. a pair of boots that gets repaired)
• Does it get remanufactured? (e.g. a phone case that gets remade instead of throwing away the whole smartphone)
• Does it get recycled? (e.g. metal that gets melted down and reused)

Do this for multiple cycles. What are the journeys for the different parts of your product or service after use? It is likely that your product will break down into its core elements/components the further you go into cycles of use.

Before finalising, consider the practical challenges during the disposal, collection, and recovery stages. (For example, a particular product or product component might be made of recyclable material, but not be recycled in reality.)

For components that do not have a circular pathway, how could they be redesigned? You might consider revisiting the Smart Material activity if you need help with this.