The Project Management Triangle has long-guided project managers in balancing cost, quality, and time. However, as expectations around quality and sustainability have evolved, so has the framework, especially with Agile’s influence. 

The 2020s have been a transformative period for hardware product development. Emerging technologies such as edge computing, AI, and 5G, combined with shifts in methodology and sustainability, have fundamentally changed how companies approach hardware design and manufacturing. In this article, we’ll explore 10 key advancements in hardware development that are shaping the future of the industry:

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but planned obsolescence is often misunderstood —where products are deliberately designed to fail or become outdated after a certain time.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.

As major economies like the EU and USA legislate for a Circular Economy and Right to Repair initiatives, countries that lag behind risk becoming “trash societies”—destinations for low-standard, un-recyclable products no longer compliant with stricter regulations. This article delves into the potential impact of slow legislative action, exploring the risks, strategic steps, and benefits of proactive policies. For insights on the consumer impacts of Right to Repair, see our recent article on consumer perspectives:

Online marketplaces (such as eBay and Amazon) are increasingly engaging with circular economy initiatives. By facilitating the reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of electronic products, these platforms play a pivotal role in extending product life cycles, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability.

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.

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) represents a pivotal component of the European Union's strategy to promote a circular economy and sustainable development. This regulation sets stringent requirements for nearly all physical goods sold within the EU, excluding food, feed, and medicines, focusing on durability, repairability, recyclability, resource efficiency, and the reduction of hazardous substances.

Adopting eco-friendly materials in hardware design reduces environmental impact and meets consumer demand for sustainable products.

Questions commonly asked within Hardware industries

The circular economy is reshaping industries by reducing waste and enhancing sustainability. For hardware design, this means not only creating efficient and durable products but also designing with an eye for reuse, refurbishment, and recycling. This blog post explores how embracing circular economy principles can lead to groundbreaking innovations in hardware design, ensure compliance with international standards, streamline quality assurance, and reduce environmental impact.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) continues to evolve, with significant policy updates in the first half of 2024 in both the EU and North America. These changes happen behind the scenes but their impact will be enormous. The primary goal of this article is to answer simple questions: What changes have happened? Do they apply to my company? Am I in trouble? What does it all mean? We take a view over the first 6 months of 2024. The most critical topics will receive their own deeper-review in a later post. Let’s dive in.

Explore how 'Right to Repair' legislation is reshaping consumer rights and sustainability in tech.

Explore key certifications that prove your commitment to environmental sustainability in hardware manufacturing

The EU Right to Repair legislation is a significant step towards promoting sustainability and consumer rights. It aims to ensure that consumers can repair and maintain their products, reducing electronic waste and fostering a circular economy. This blog post explores the likely implementation timings of this legislation and its impact on manufacturers and consumers.

With the new EU Green Claims Directive set to reshape sustainability claims, understanding its nuances is crucial for businesses striving for transparency and compliance. This blog post delves into the directive’s implications for product development, offering strategic insights for businesses to adapt and thrive under the new regulations.

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.