The flow mapper: A tool to model solutions for the circular economy and put systems thinking into action

Resource flows are generated by integrating production and consumption systems. To achieve circular flows, manufacturers are increasingly collaborating with their stakeholders. Nevertheless, in these collaborations they typically focus on the interfaces between systems rather than on a more comprehensive implementation of systems thinking principles to achieve deeper integration.This research conceptualises a system called the Resource Flow System (RFS), whose boundaries are defined based on the operational requirement to flow resources circularly. The RFS is intended to be designed by stakeholders through a top-down collaborative approach. A tool called the Flow Mapper (FM) is also introduced. It involves a method to visually model the RFS,and a process to apply the method and analyse the model. Grounded in Systems Thinking, System Dynamics and Material Flow Analysis theories, the tool guides a team to collaboratively develop a visual model of the RFS consisting of a State Model, a Functional Model and a Structural Model. The FM provides a performance-driven focus on the design of solutions for the CE, essential for constructive collaboration and enables users to innovate during system design both by providing them with a model of the system, and by discovering, generating and refining solutions in the process to develop it.