Geert Doorlag
The Netherlands

"The course helped me to develop internal KPIs on circularity and I see strong possibilities for using it as a framework."

While working at Auping in The Netherlands as a researcher, Geert Doorlag participated in the online course Circular Product Design Assessment. Read about his experience.

What was your motivation for enrolling in the course?
I work at Auping where we introduced the Auping Evolve Mattress - our first 100% Circular mattress. The Auping Evolve addresses two main issues regarding mattresses and circularity: the materials used and the construction of the product.

The Auping Evolve conforms to all the circularity loops within the Ellen Mc Arthur Butterfly model: better product, better reusability, better recyclability. The Auping Evolve, “evolved” through problem assessment, vision and quite a bit of serendipity. I joined this course since we are now looking for ways to rationalize this process, assess different circular options for different products and gain new insights for possible future improvements.

How did this course impact your career or life?
The course helped me to develop internal KPIs on circularity for 2021 and I see strong possibilities for using it as a framework for an industry-wide standard for assessing product circularity.

How was your experience learning online?
The quality of the content was very high and the level of knowledge of the lecturers was also very good. The way the course was structured: topic by topic, with information and assignments, suited my personal way of learning very well. Given the fact that it was an online course the interaction was OK, though I would like to have had more personal contact. One aspect for improvement for me would be a clearer agenda and deadlines, I was a bit lost on that sometimes.

What is your advice to someone who would like to take a similar online course?
Be specific on what you want to achieve from the course, and consider following the course together with a colleague, so you can share the effort and achieve more personal interaction.