{"id":927,"date":"2024-10-22T12:18:49","date_gmt":"2024-10-22T10:18:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ciclikcircular.com\/?page_id=927"},"modified":"2025-05-10T18:46:37","modified_gmt":"2025-05-10T16:46:37","slug":"method","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ciclikcircular.com\/en\/method\/","title":{"rendered":"Method"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_custom_heading text=”Circular Design
\nfor a Changing
\nWorld” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Wanna hear a secret?<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve got this pair of boots I bought on a whim over fifteen years ago. I adore them \u2014 they\u2019re versatile, simple, special, and insanely comfortable. The truth is, they represent me in a way I can\u2019t quite put into words\u2026 when I wear them, I just feel more me<\/em>.<\/p>\n

That deep connection we sometimes feel with a product or service? It\u2019s not random. I can assure you \u2014 someone thought of you<\/em> (your specific user profile) when creating it\u2026 and nailed it.<\/strong><\/p>\n

After more than twenty years working in visual communication, I\u2019ve experienced again and again how powerful the process can be when we design in a genuine and authentic way \u2014 to truly connect with people and stand out in a world full of noise, choice, and constant change.<\/p>\n

To make it happen, I believe there are two key factors:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. In-depth research before jumping into creativity.<\/strong>
    \nThe goal is to uncover people\u2019s true motivations.<\/u> Once you find them, that core becomes the point of connection \u2014 and it keeps resonating over time.<\/li>\n
  2. A graphic solution that\u2019s simple and spot on.<\/strong>
    \nWhen design communicates those real motivations in a clear and accurate way<\/u>, it becomes a communication system that\u2019s flexible, adaptable, and timeless.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Since my approach is all about circular design \u2014and the name isn\u2019t just a coincidence\u2014 I\u2019m adding two more ingredients to the mix:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Nature as a source of inspiration.<\/strong>
      \nThere are many places to draw inspiration from, but when your gaze turns to the origin, the solutions tend to be more authentic and universal.<\/li>\n
    2. Circular economy and low-CO\u2082 models.<\/strong>
      \nThese are emerging values, and it\u2019s crucial to understand who<\/em> is communicating them and how<\/em>, in ways that are both honest and innovative.
      \n(If you\u2019d like to stay on top of this, you can subscribe to my newsletter: El Circul\u00f3metro<\/em>.)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      This combination of factors \u2014seasoned with a pinch of inspiration (which, by the way, only shows up when you\u2019re working)\u2014 leads to simple yet powerful design solutions,<\/strong> able to adapt precisely and consistently to people\u2019s real needs…<\/p>\n

      …Just like those boots that always make you feel right.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

      <\/div><\/div><\/div>
      \"\"<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
      <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>
      [vc_custom_heading text=”Design
      \nThinking” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22width%22%3A%2280%25%22%7D%2C%22laptops%22%3A%7B%22width%22%3A%2280%25%22%7D%2C%22tablets%22%3A%7B%22width%22%3A%22100%25%22%7D%2C%22mobiles%22%3A%7B%22width%22%3A%22100%25%22%7D%7D”]<\/div><\/div><\/div>

      Have you heard of Design Thinking?
      \nIf your answer is \u201cYes, but I can’t really explain it,\u201d or simply \u201cNo,\u201d I invite you to discover it \u2014 because, trust me, it\u2019s worth it.<\/p>\n

      It\u2019s a method where people take center stage.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Talking to and observing users helps us understand the deeper layers \u2014 what they need, what frustrates them, and what could make their lives easier.\u00a0 With that valuable insight, creativity kicks into high gear, generating ideas that may seem wild at first but can push innovation further.\u00a0 Then comes the time to get grounded: we test those ideas again with real people, discard what doesn\u2019t work, and narrow down to solutions that are truly effective, innovative, and impactful.<\/p>\n

      This diagram shows how I apply this methodology in my work.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

      \"\"<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>
      [vc_custom_heading text=”The 5 Steps” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]<\/div><\/div><\/div>

      It’s simple. It’s logical.
      \nGood design always follows this path. Depending on the project, it might take three days or three months, but the process stays the same.<\/p>\n

      Here are the five key stages you\u2019ll always need to go through:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

      <\/div>

      1. ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCH<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Are you shooting at everything that moves, or are you clearly targeting the right audience?<\/p>\n

      At first glance, reality can seem generic and full of stereotypes. Without research and real-world insights, your project will end up being just another one in the crowd \u2014 and if it connects with people, it\u2019ll be pure luck.<\/p>\n

      That\u2019s why research is the real game-changer. It\u2019s the foundation of design that truly hits the mark and drives innovation.<\/p>\n

      Tools:<\/strong> sector-specific market and consumer data, surveys, field observation, interviews, triads, empathy maps, and user archetypes.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

      <\/div>

      2. UNDERSTAND YOUR BUSINESS<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Designing without a deep understanding of your business and its context will only lead to mediocrity.<\/p>\n

      That\u2019s why it\u2019s time to look inward \u2014 refine your value proposition and understand how you\u2019re positioned in the market. It all starts with two simple questions:<\/p>\n

      What makes you unique?
      \nAnd how do you want to be perceived in relation to others?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      This strategic clarity will help you find your place on the map \u2014 and make you feel like you\u2019re holding a diamond in your hands.<\/p>\n

      Tools: Business Model Canvas, The Brand Key, Benchmarking, and Positioning Map.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

      <\/div>

      3. IDEATE<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Now it\u2019s time to have some serious fun!<\/p>\n

      The strategic decisions drawn from the research set the framework for action \u2014 and that clarity gives us the confidence to go all-in with bold, disruptive, and innovative ideas.<\/p>\n

      Welcome to the brainstorm! Don\u2019t hold back \u2014 everything\u2019s allowed here\u2026 until reality says otherwise.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

      <\/div>

      4. PROTOTYPE & TEST<\/strong><\/p>\n

      If something\u2019s not working, now<\/em> is the time to find out.<\/p>\n

      This is where our ideas take shape \u2014 as a piece of packaging, a website, a brand… whatever the format, we need to quickly and realistically check that everything\u2019s aligned and working like a charm.<\/p>\n

      We test with users<\/strong>, gather feedback, and refine the solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

      <\/div>

      5. FINAL PRODUCT<\/strong><\/p>\n

      There\u2019s nothing more satisfying than seeing people happily engaging with your product.
      \nA design grounded in research creates real impact \u2014 and adapts to change. That\u2019s why your product will be chosen, and over time, it will build trust and loyalty.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      And the best part? If your proposal is circular, its success will go far beyond financial results \u2014 bringing social and environmental value to the table.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

      <\/div><\/div><\/div>
      \"\"<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
      <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>
      [vc_custom_heading text=”Circular design<\/b> understands its environment, sees through the eyes of the user, solves with simplicity, and evolves by adapting to change \u2014 and to people.” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22_content_bg%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Neue%20Haas%20Unica%20Pro%20Light%22%2C%22padding-left%22%3A%222.5rem%22%2C%22padding-top%22%3A%222.5rem%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%222.5rem%22%2C%22padding-right%22%3A%222.5rem%22%7D%2C%22laptops%22%3A%7B%22padding-left%22%3A%222.5rem%22%2C%22padding-top%22%3A%222.5rem%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%222.5rem%22%2C%22padding-right%22%3A%222.5rem%22%7D%2C%22tablets%22%3A%7B%22padding-left%22%3A%222rem%22%2C%22padding-top%22%3A%222rem%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%222rem%22%2C%22padding-right%22%3A%222rem%22%7D%2C%22mobiles%22%3A%7B%22padding-left%22%3A%221.5rem%22%2C%22padding-top%22%3A%221.5rem%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%221.5rem%22%2C%22padding-right%22%3A%221.5rem%22%7D%7D”]<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>
      \"\"<\/div><\/div>

      Subscribe to the free El Circul\u00f3metro<\/em> NEWSLETTER.<\/strong>
      \nCircular Brands vs. Greenwashing.
      \n+Bonus gift:\u00a0 Mini Guide to Circular Communication\u00a0 (No Additives)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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