Planned Obsolescence: the Elephant in the Room
Designing products with a specific lifespan is a common practice among manufacturers, but planned obsolescence is often misunderstood —where products are deliberately designed to fail or become outdated after a certain time. The reality, however, is likely more nuanced. Companies typically design products to meet a particular life requirement based on performance, cost, and market demands. While this approach offers several advantages, it also presents challenges for consumers and broader societal issues.
Right to Repair: Year-to-Date (2024 pt. II) Update
The Right to Repair movement has seen significant legislative advancements in 2024, particularly in the U.S. and the EU. These developments aim to empower consumers, reduce electronic waste, and promote sustainable product life-cycles. This update provides a comprehensive overview of key changes and challenges in the first half of 2024, with a focus on how these new laws are shaping the future of consumer electronics and hardware product development.
Assessing the Positives and Negatives of the New 'Right to Repair' Legislation from the Consumer Perspective
Explore how 'Right to Repair' legislation is reshaping consumer rights and sustainability in tech.
Right to Repair: Year-to-Date (2024) Review
As we progress through 2024, the Right to Repair movement has continued to see significant developments across the United States and beyond, highlighting a growing trend towards sustainability and consumer rights in the technology and appliance sectors.