Abstract
Current models for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products encourage frequent product replacement with newer versions that offer only minor incremental improvements. This pattern, named planned obsolescence, diminishes user experience and shortens product lifespan. This paper presents the conceptual basis for a two-part integrated approach to combating planned obsolescence in ICT devices. First, design for emotional attachment, which creates products that users enjoy, value, and use for longer. Second, technological adaptability, which anticipates product upgrades and repairs as new technologies emerge. A model interdisciplinary design course in industrial design and sustainability, also described herein, trains students to apply this approach to create innovative ICT products with smaller environmental footprints.
Highlights
Current product consumption is based on short product life cycles that reduce the quality of connection with users and lead to serious environmental impacts
As sustainability tries to address many of these issues, the notion of integrating emotional attachment into design offers a viable solution for the problem
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and other similar products need to offer a stronger emotional connection with users, and a technological adaptability that prevents technological obsolescence. This combination of emotional attachment and technological adaptability is a more comprehensive approach for addressing some of the environmental issues created by new products
Summary
Current product consumption is based on short product life cycles that reduce the quality of connection with users and lead to serious environmental impacts. ICTs and other similar products need to offer a stronger emotional connection with users, and a technological adaptability that prevents technological obsolescence This combination of emotional attachment and technological adaptability is a more comprehensive approach for addressing some of the environmental issues created by new products. The integration of these strategies is being explored at Rochester Institute of Technology, in a course on sustainable product design that integrates industrial design and sustainability. Engineering focuses on material extraction, manufacturing and end-of-life The integration of these two disciplines offers a more comprehensive approach that looks at a product’s life cycle as one big, integrated system. Student projects in this course offer interesting and exciting examples of integration of sustainability strategies in engineering and design
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