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In order to broaden our understanding of product lifetimes in support of a circular economy, within this research, we focused on toys, which unfortunately often have a relative short lifetime of 3-4 years according to several studies. In addition to the huge amounts of toys that are discarded, another reason for focusing on toys is that while using toys, i.e. playing, children are influenced, generate certain behaviors and retrieve many values and norms. Consequently, toys with short lifetime might teach kids that it is normal that things are frequently replaced without questioning the value. Being in the transition towards a circular economy it is crucial to change people's behavior, so it is of large importance to consider children's environment as well. The aim of the research was to define designerly opportunities for extending the lifetime of toys. The research was done by means of an education-oriented approach in which an exploration was done to investigate and evaluate potentials for design-driven innovation to increase product lifetimes of toys. The resulting concepts that were generated by the students were categorized through a survey based on various criteria as well as semantically organized in categories. Next the results were discussed with a selection of experts. The concluding concepts were mostly tackling lifetime shortness by focusing on emotional value and the opportunity to grow, in addition to the technical maintenance and repair possibilities. To enlarge or convey values and norms, most concepts focused on the connectability of different types of toys as well as concepts that aim to inspire children related to understanding nature, and taking care of the environment.

Treball desenvolupat dins el marc del programa 'European Project Semester'. The purpose of this project is to create a STEM inspired workshop that can be used in science classes. Science can be an arduous subject for students, so in modern times schools are trying to make it more appealing by conducting experiments, albeit with mixed degrees of success. Investigation has been conducted to find the main factors that keep teachers and students from having an engaging experience. One of the main problem is that teachers do not have enough accessible resources to provide students with qualified experiments that perfectly combine fun and knowledge. Surveys and four in-person interviews with experienced physics teachers, have been conducted in order to find the root of the problem and propose a solution. With the results concluded, a coordinated group of product designers and electromechanical engineers have developed a workshop that provides an easy and accessible tool for teachers. The purpose of this tool is to let students conduct and experience science using alternative sources of energy, specifically wind energy. Letting students experience science in an applied and memorable way has many benefits. STEM education can greatly improve motivation of students to pursue a career in science. Thus ensuring the continuity of science that drives innovation and progress in our society. Providing our tool to teachers will help them to reach students in such a way and give them a taste of alternative science teaching-methods.