Short answer
Designers should advocate for and implement design choices that extend product lifespan and make repair a more attractive and economically viable option, rather than solely focusing on low initial production costs.
- Field
- Resource Management
- Source
- Journal of Cleaner Production (2020)
- Method
- Mixed-methods research combining a quantitative consumer survey and qualitative interviews with industry professionals.
- Sample
- 1196 survey respondents, 15 interviewees
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The economic viability of repairing household appliances, mobile phones, and clothing is significantly hampered by the low cost and often poor quality of new replacement products. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Journal of Cleaner Production. Using Mixed-methods research combining a quantitative consumer survey and qualitative interviews with industry professionals. with 1196 survey respondents, 15 interviewees, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should advocate for and implement design choices that extend product lifespan and make repair a more attractive and economically viable option, rather than solely focusing on low initial production costs.
Low new product prices undermine repair economics and consumer motivation.
The economic viability of repairing household appliances, mobile phones, and clothing is significantly hampered by the low cost and often poor quality of new replacement products.
Journal of Cleaner Production · 2020
Key Findings
- 01A significant proportion of repairs are performed by consumers themselves.
- 02The primary barrier to repair is the low price of new products, which are often of poor quality.
- 03Low profitability is a major issue for repair businesses, and consumer motivation for repair is also reduced.
- 04Access to skilled repair personnel is a growing challenge for the repair industry.
- 05Both consumers and the industry agree that better quality new products would encourage longer product lifespans and more profitable repairs.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers should advocate for and implement design choices that extend product lifespan and make repair a more attractive and economically viable option, rather than solely focusing on low initial production costs.
How to apply
When designing new products, conduct a lifecycle cost analysis that includes realistic repair costs and potential lifespan extensions. Explore modular design principles that facilitate easier component replacement.
Project actions
- 01When evaluating design choices, consider the cost of replacement versus the cost of repair for the end-user.
- 02Investigate the availability and cost of spare parts as part of your design process.
- 03Research consumer attitudes towards repair and longevity in your target market.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Combines quantitative consumer data with qualitative industry insights.
- +Addresses a critical aspect of sustainability (product lifespan and repair).
Limitations
The study's focus on specific product categories and a single country may limit its universal applicability. The definition of 'poor quality' can be subjective.
Reliability & validity
The study's reliability is supported by a large survey sample and qualitative depth from industry interviews. Validity is enhanced by triangulating data from both consumers and repair professionals. However, the specific context of Norway might limit generalizability.
Think critically
How can design innovations in materials or manufacturing processes reduce the cost of repair, making it more competitive with the purchase of new, low-cost items?
Design Principles
"Design for longevity and repairability by considering the economic and motivational factors influencing post-purchase product care."
Designers and manufacturers must consider the entire product lifecycle, including the economic incentives for repair. When new products are cheaper than repairs, the drive towards disposability is amplified, contradicting sustainability goals.
What This Means for Your Design
New products are often so cheap and not very good that it's not worth fixing old ones, which is bad for the environment. We need better quality, longer-lasting products to make repair a good option.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the economic feasibility of repair in your design project's evaluation or justification.
- 2.Use the findings to support arguments for designing products with a longer intended lifespan.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that the low cost and often inferior quality of new consumer goods significantly hinder the economic viability and consumer motivation for repair, a critical aspect of extending product lifespans and promoting a circular economy. This economic imbalance, coupled with challenges in accessing skilled repair personnel, suggests that design efforts should prioritize durability and repairability to create value beyond initial purchase and encourage sustainable consumption patterns.
Source
Journal of Cleaner Production
Increasing repair of household appliances, mobile phones and clothing: Experiences from consumers and the repair industry
journal · 2020
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about low new product prices undermine repair economics and consumer motivation?
- Designers should advocate for and implement design choices that extend product lifespan and make repair a more attractive and economically viable option, rather than solely focusing on low initial production costs. Evidence: Journal of Cleaner Production (2020).
- Why does "Low new product prices undermine repair economics and consumer motivation." matter for design?
- Designers and manufacturers must consider the entire product lifecycle, including the economic incentives for repair. When new products are cheaper than repairs, the drive towards disposability is amplified, contradicting sustainability goals.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers should advocate for and implement design choices that extend product lifespan and make repair a more attractive and economically viable option, rather than solely focusing on low initial production costs.
- What were the main findings?
- A significant proportion of repairs are performed by consumers themselves.. The primary barrier to repair is the low price of new products, which are often of poor quality.. Low profitability is a major issue for repair businesses, and consumer motivation for repair is also reduced.. Access to skilled repair personnel is a growing challenge for the repair industry.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods research combining a quantitative consumer survey and qualitative interviews with industry professionals. with 1196 survey respondents, 15 interviewees.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2020 journal from Journal of Cleaner Production.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing new products, conduct a lifecycle cost analysis that includes realistic repair costs and potential lifespan extensions. Explore modular design principles that facilitate easier component replacement.
- What are the limitations?
- The study was conducted in Norway, and findings may not be directly generalizable to other regions with different market conditions, consumer behaviors, or regulatory frameworks.