Product Life Cycle

Design Evolution

Introduction

Growth

Maturity

Decline

Replacement

Planned obsolescence

Market Research

Planned Obsolescence

A practice used by designers and manufacturers to extend the life of a product

Something is intended to wear out or stop being useful after a pre-determined period of time.

Usually considered to allow for technological developments, changing social tastes, value engineering issues and consideration of tooling wear over time.e.g. developments in battery technology, fashion, engineering products with less expensive materials to improve competitiveness. Compromise had to be made.

Sometimes seen as a negative approach as it may force the consumers hand in buying new products:e.g. irreparable products, no spares, prohibitively expensive spares, no backwards compatibility.

Done effectively PO can benefit the manufacturer, the consumer and the environmente.g. products designed for ease of recycling, ease of repair, accessibility of spare parts, ease of upgrading

Poorly done or uncontrolled can lead to a “throwaway “ culture and waste of resources – at a cost to the consumer and the environment and a possible money earner for the manufacturer

Planned Obsolescence

Life Cycle Assessment

Impact of Design and Manufacture on the Environment

Discuss how the designers responsibility extends beyond meeting the needs of the consumer and manufacturer

Discuss the environmental implications of increased energy use

Discuss ways in which consumers can help to conserve the environment

Many UK-based companies manufacture their products in other countries. Discuss the moral and/or ethical considerations of the globalisation of product manufacture