Model kits & Systemic Design - Analysis of the model kit industry and development of Systemic Design solutions

The objective of this thesis is the study and analysis of the model kit industry in order to find issues that can be resolved by applying Systemic Design solutions. By focusing on production processes and using two world renown companies, this thesis will try to define the system network of this industry, from the Business to Business aspects to the Business to Customer ones. In addition to that, the thesis will also try and analyse the consumers of this industry products, the model builders. Using a survey, the thesis will explore their interaction with the hobby, their interest towards eco-friendly solutions and other elements, in order to understand how a systemic approach to the existing industry network may affect the consumer base. In order to develop an effective system, case studies geared towards making plastic products more eco-friendly will be analysed, in order to understand how to implement them in the network. A test nation will be found in Germany, which will be studied in order to understand the country interest towards both the model kit industry and the recovery and recycling of plastic. This thesis will then focus on the effects that opening the model kit industry system will cause, as well as how they will affect the existing actors. In particular, the introduction of a new material in the system and the launch of a user waste recovery system may allow the opening of the model kit industry towards the paper industry and an increase in Polystyrene recycling on the whole German territory.