programmed obsolescence
Designed to fail
Programmed obsolescence is the practice of deliberately designing products to become outdated, unfashionable, or nonfunctional after a limited time, compelling consumers to purchase replacements.
Manufacturers may achieve this through fragile components, incompatible software updates, or styles that quickly fall out of fashion.
The strategy ensures ongoing demand but draws criticism for wastefulness and environmental harm.
Critics argue that programmed obsolescence in smartphones forces upgrades every few years.
- e-wasteDiscarded technological devices
- profit maximizationPursuing greatest possible gains
- software updatesReleased improvements to programs
- resource depletionExhausting available materials gradually
- greenwashingFalse sustainability claims
pricing models · corporate accountability · design flaws · legal regulations · informed consent · competitive advantage · social responsibility · throwaway culture · fast fashion · market saturation · subscription models · revenue streams · advocacy movements · warranty · carbon footprint · pollution control · Moore's Law · product lifecycle
programmed obsolescencebuilt to last
Designed for longevity
lifetime warranty · heirloom quality · durable goods · overengineered
programmed obsolescenceright to repair
Legal ability to fix purchases
repairability · modular design · upgradeable · sustainable design · standardized parts
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