Planned obsolescence

Definition

Planned obsolescence is a business strategy where products are deliberately designed to have a limited lifespan or functionality, prompting consumers to replace them sooner than they might have otherwise. This approach encourages continuous consumption, often resulting in increased waste and environmental impact. By creating products that may become outdated or non-functional within a set time frame, companies aim to boost sales and maintain market demand.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Planned obsolescence can take many forms, including physical wear-out, functional obsolescence, or aesthetic obsolescence where products look outdated quickly.
2. This strategy is often criticized for promoting wastefulness and contributing to environmental degradation due to increased landfill use.
3. Some companies have shifted towards more sustainable practices by reducing planned obsolescence and focusing on product longevity and repairability.
4. Technological advancements can exacerbate planned obsolescence as newer models are frequently released with features that make older versions seem obsolete.
5. Legal regulations in some regions have emerged to combat planned obsolescence, pushing companies to adopt more transparent practices regarding product lifespan.

Review Questions

• How does planned obsolescence influence consumer behavior and purchasing decisions?
  • Planned obsolescence influences consumer behavior by creating a perception that products need to be replaced frequently. When companies design items with limited lifespans or rapidly changing trends, consumers feel compelled to buy the latest versions or replacements. This cycle fosters a culture of continuous consumption where individuals prioritize buying new items over repairing or keeping older ones, ultimately affecting their financial choices and environmental awareness.
• Discuss the potential environmental impacts of planned obsolescence and how they relate to sustainable design principles.
  • The environmental impacts of planned obsolescence are significant, contributing to increased waste generation and resource depletion. Products designed to fail or become outdated lead to higher landfill volumes and greater demand for raw materials. In contrast, sustainable design principles advocate for creating durable, repairable, and recyclable products that minimize waste. By emphasizing longevity over disposability, sustainable design aims to counteract the negative effects of planned obsolescence.
• Evaluate the relationship between planned obsolescence and the concepts of circular economy and consumerism in today’s market.
  • Planned obsolescence stands in contrast to the principles of a circular economy, which seeks to extend product life cycles through recycling and reuse. While planned obsolescence drives consumerism by promoting a throwaway culture that encourages frequent purchases, a circular economy emphasizes sustainability and resource efficiency. Evaluating this relationship reveals that transitioning from a mindset rooted in planned obsolescence towards one that supports circular practices could significantly reduce environmental impacts while fostering more responsible consumption patterns.

Related terms

Sustainable design: An approach to product design that aims to minimize negative environmental impacts by creating products that are durable, recyclable, or biodegradable.

Circular economy: An economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources by keeping products, equipment, and infrastructure in use for longer through recycling, refurbishing, and remanufacturing.

Consumerism: A social and economic ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts, often leading to overconsumption and waste.