Planned Obsolescence

🌱 What is planned obsolescence? “Through planned obsolescence, the life span of products is purposely limited to foster consumerism. Obsolescence is driven by “[i]nterfirm competition, the need to maintain and increase one's market share and profits, [and] the necessity to offload or ‘externalise’

🌱 What is perceived or voluntary obsolescence? “Similarly to physical or built-in obsolescence, economic growth and development has been strongly established through perceived or voluntary obsolescence – since the 1960s. By releasing new product designs and greatly marketing these new products, con

🌱 Why are products designed to break? “Through planned obsolescence, the life span of products is purposely limited to foster consumerism.”[i] Obsolescence is driven by “[i]nterfirm competition, the need to maintain and increase one's market share and profits, [and] the necessity to offload or 'ext

🌱 What is the role of the consumer? “The market for [electrical & electronic equipment] is ultimately shaped by the behavior of consumers. The choice to replace a functional device with a newer version lays with the consumer. Both changes in product design/appearance and changes in functionality pr

🌱 What is physical or built-in obsolescence? “Through physical or built-in obsolescence, the durability of a product is reduced to ensure that customers “will have to repurchase more often”.”[i] “Built-in obsolescence is an industrial design policy that ensures that the useable lifespan of the prod