Integrating Emotional Attachment and Sustainability in Electronic Product Design

Challenges

Alex Lobos¹ 

[1] Department of Industrial Design, Rochester Institute of Technology, 73 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623, USA

关键词: sustainability;    industrial design;    emotional attachment;    design education;   

DOI  :  10.3390/challe4010019

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Current models for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products encourage frequent product replacement with newer versions that offer only minor incremental improvements. This pattern, named planned obsolescence, diminishes user experience and shortens product lifespan. This paper presents the conceptual basis for a two-part integrated approach to combating planned obsolescence in ICT devices. First, design for emotional attachment, which creates products that users enjoy, value, and use for longer. Second, technological adaptability, which anticipates product upgrades and repairs as new technologies emerge. A model interdisciplinary design course in industrial design and sustainability, also described herein, trains students to apply this approach to create innovative ICT products with smaller environmental footprints.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.