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 environment e.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