Short answer
Designers should move away from creating disposable 'things' and instead focus on developing 'spimes' that are durable, repairable, and have a considered lifecycle, thereby contributing to a more sustainable IoT ecosystem.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- The Design Journal (2019)
- Method
- Practice-led research, Research through Design, Design Fiction
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
The current trajectory of the Internet of Things (IoT) is inherently unsustainable due to its focus on disposable 'things' rather than long-lasting, interconnected 'spimes', necessitating a fundamental shift in design philosophy. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in The Design Journal. Using Practice-led research, research through design, design fiction, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should move away from creating disposable 'things' and instead focus on developing 'spimes' that are durable, repairable, and have a considered lifecycle, thereby contributing to a more sustainable IoT ecosystem.
IoT's Hidden Environmental Cost: Shifting from 'Things' to 'Spimes' for Sustainable Design
The current trajectory of the Internet of Things (IoT) is inherently unsustainable due to its focus on disposable 'things' rather than long-lasting, interconnected 'spimes', necessitating a fundamental shift in design philosophy.
The Design Journal · 2019
Key Findings
- 01The prevailing rhetoric of the IoT promotes a utopian vision of transformative change, often overlooking its intrinsically unsustainable nature.
- 02Many IoT devices are designed as superfluous 'gizmos' with environmentally damaging manufacturing, consumption, and disposal processes.
- 03A shift from designing 'things' (disposable objects) to 'spimes' (objects with a history and future) is proposed as a pathway to a more sustainable IoT.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers should move away from creating disposable 'things' and instead focus on developing 'spimes' that are durable, repairable, and have a considered lifecycle, thereby contributing to a more sustainable IoT ecosystem.
How to apply
When designing any connected device, consider its entire lifecycle: from material sourcing and manufacturing to user interaction, repairability, and eventual disposal or repurposing. Frame your design choices around creating a 'spime' rather than a disposable 'thing'.
Project actions
- 01When researching your product, investigate the environmental impact of its materials and manufacturing.
- 02Consider how your product can be repaired, upgraded, or recycled at the end of its life.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a critical perspective on the often-overlooked environmental impact of IoT.
- +Offers a conceptual framework ('spimes') for reframing design practices towards sustainability.
Limitations
It can be challenging to fully implement 'spime' principles within the constraints of a typical design project, especially regarding manufacturing processes and material sourcing.
Reliability & validity
The validity of the 'spimes not things' argument relies on a critical analysis of current IoT design practices and their documented environmental consequences. Reliability would be enhanced by empirical studies measuring the actual lifecycle impacts of 'thing'-based vs. 'spime'-based IoT products.
Think critically
To what extent is the 'spime' concept practically achievable for mass-produced consumer IoT devices, given current market pressures and consumer expectations for low-cost, rapidly updated technology?
Design Principles
"Design for longevity and lifecycle responsibility, not just immediate functionality and novelty."
Designers developing IoT products must critically assess the lifecycle impact of their creations. Moving beyond the allure of novelty, a focus on durability, repairability, and responsible end-of-life management is crucial for mitigating the environmental burden of connected devices.
What This Means for Your Design
The internet of things (like smart fridges or speakers) often creates a lot of electronic waste because devices are designed to be thrown away quickly. This research suggests we should design them to last longer and be more like 'spimes' – things with a history and a future – to be kinder to the planet.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the concept of 'spimes' versus 'things' to frame your analysis of existing products and justify your design choices for a more sustainable outcome.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This design project adopts a sustainability-focused approach, moving beyond the creation of disposable 'things' towards the development of 'spimes'—products with a considered lifecycle. By prioritizing durability, repairability, and responsible end-of-life strategies, the design aims to mitigate the environmental impact often associated with Internet of Things devices, aligning with principles for a more sustainable technological future.
Source
The Design Journal
Spimes Not Things. Creating A Design Manifesto For A Sustainable Internet of Things
journal · 2019
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about iot's hidden environmental cost: shifting from 'things' to 'spimes' for sustainable design?
- Designers should move away from creating disposable 'things' and instead focus on developing 'spimes' that are durable, repairable, and have a considered lifecycle, thereby contributing to a more sustainable IoT ecosystem. Evidence: The Design Journal (2019).
- Why does "IoT's Hidden Environmental Cost: Shifting from 'Things' to 'Spimes' for Sustainable Design" matter for design?
- Designers developing IoT products must critically assess the lifecycle impact of their creations. Moving beyond the allure of novelty, a focus on durability, repairability, and responsible end-of-life management is crucial for mitigating the environmental burden of connected devices.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers should move away from creating disposable 'things' and instead focus on developing 'spimes' that are durable, repairable, and have a considered lifecycle, thereby contributing to a more sustainable IoT ecosystem.
- What were the main findings?
- The prevailing rhetoric of the IoT promotes a utopian vision of transformative change, often overlooking its intrinsically unsustainable nature.. Many IoT devices are designed as superfluous 'gizmos' with environmentally damaging manufacturing, consumption, and disposal processes.. A shift from designing 'things' (disposable objects) to 'spimes' (objects with a history and future) is proposed as a pathway to a more sustainable IoT.
- What research method was used?
- Practice-led research, Research through Design, Design Fiction.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2019 journal from The Design Journal.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing any connected device, consider its entire lifecycle: from material sourcing and manufacturing to user interaction, repairability, and eventual disposal or repurposing. Frame your design choices around creating a 'spime' rather than a disposable 'thing'.
- What are the limitations?
- The manifesto is a conceptual framework and requires practical implementation and widespread adoption to demonstrate its full impact on the IoT industry.