Lecture on Planned Obsolescence

Introduction

• Marcos' Case: A typical scenario where a printer part fails and the cost of repair is high enough to suggest buying a new one.
• Planned Obsolescence: A concept where products are designed to have a limited lifespan to increase consumer demand and economic growth.

Historical Background

• Emergence: Started in the 1920s to boost consumer demand by shortening product lifespans.
• Phoebus Cartel: Formed in 1924, aimed to control light bulb production and set a lifespan limit of 1,000 hours.
  • Impact: Reduced bulb lifespan and fined manufacturers who exceeded the limit.
  • Legacy: Continues under different names, influencing modern production.

Case Studies

• Livermore Light Bulb: Longest burning bulb since 1901, contrasts with planned obsolescence.
• Inkjet Printers: Designed to fail after a certain usage due to ink reservoir full alerts.

Economic and Social Implications

• Bernard London's Proposal: In the Great Depression, suggested legal planned obsolescence to stimulate the economy.
• Brooks Stevens' Philosophy: Promoted consumer desire for newer products without making them fail intentionally.

Modern Perspectives

• Consumerism and Education: Planned obsolescence is taught in design schools as a business strategy.
• Criticism: Based on environmental unsustainability and economic dependency on consumption.
• Resistance: Modern movements challenge obsolescence through legal action and new business models.

Environmental Impact

• E-Waste: Large amounts of electronic waste shipped to third world countries, often illegally.
• Ghana Case Study: Electronic waste dumped under the guise of second-hand goods.

Alternatives and Future Directions

• Sustainable Products: Emphasis on designing products with longer lifespans, like Warner Phillips’ LED bulb.
• Cradle to Cradle Design: Mimics natural cycles to eliminate waste and use biodegradable materials.
• Degrowth Movement: Advocates for reduced consumption and production, focusing on non-material wealth.

Conclusion

• Cultural Revolution: Need for a shift in economic and cultural values towards sustainability.
• Technological Solution: Marcos' experience with resetting his printer's counter chip as a form of resistance against planned obsolescence.