Design in context: Built in obsolescence

Question 1

built in obsolescence

Answer 1

• designing products to wear out.
• stimulates consumer demand.
• out modelled after limited use.
• 4 different types.

eg phones, kettles and laptops

Question 2

technical or functional obsolescence

Answer 2

• new technology replaces old (video tape, DVD, streaming).
• obsolete products do not have the same functions or capabilities as the new ones.

Question 3

style obsolescence

Answer 3

• marketers change the styling of products so as to make the owners of the old model feel out of date.

Question 4

intentional physical obsolescence

Answer 4

• a product is designed to last for a specific lifetime.
• if a product will be technically or stylistically obsolete in 5 years, many marketers will design the product so it will only last for that time (done by value engineering).
• doing this will reduce the cost of making the product and lower the price to consumers (unless there is a lack of competition).
• good second hand market.

Question 5

postponement obsolescence

Answer 5

• technological improvements are not introduced even though they could be.
• marketer feels either that the consumers don’t need the innovation or they are concerned that the new model will reduce the demand and therefore sales of their old model.

Question 6

effect of built in obsolescence on society

Answer 6

• more waste from rejected/broken products.
• lack of respect for possessions.
• materialism.
• peer pressure