Built-in Obsolescence: advantages and disadvantages

Built in obsolescence means when manufacturers plan for a product to become obsolete/unusable by a certain time.

• Many products have built in obsolescence;
• Benefits manufacturer, because consumers have to buy another one (stimulates demand);
• Cheaper to buy components that don’t last as long: if cars are only expected to last five years, it is foolish to install really expensive parts that will last 150 years;
• Designers establish the anticipated product lifetime and use the least expensive components that will satisfy this projected lifetime.

Ways of creating obsolescence

• Making the cost of repairs similar to replacement cost;
• Refusing to provide parts or service on old models;
• Introducing new technology which replaces the old;
• Altering the systems that surround products (i.e. computer software that won’t operate with newer software and thus must be updated);
• Encouraging a ‘fashion cycle’ – continually introducing new designs and discontinuing others allows a manufacturer to ‘ride the fashion cycle’ (i.e. clothing or cars), making the old products seem ‘out of date’;
• Informing the user when it is time to buy a replacement (i.e. water filters that display a replacement notice after a particular time).

Examples of planned obsolescence in graphic products

• Trend-based designs – packaging and branding can be created to align with current visual trends. These designs become visually outdated as trends change, encouraging frequent redesigns. This drives a cycle of constant updating and refreshing of graphic products.
• Seasonal or event-specific designs – creating graphics tied to specific seasons, years, or events ensures they become outdated quickly. This is common in retail displays, calendars, and event marketing materials.
• QR codes and interactive / scannable elements – if these link to time-sensitive content printed materials may become obsolete once the linked content changes or becomes unavailable.

Why products might be designed with built-in obsolescence

• Cost savings: Manufacturing companies deliberately choose materials and construction methods that reduce initial production costs but lead to shorter product lifespans. For example, using thinner grades of cardboard in packaging that will deteriorate more quickly, or selecting lower-quality adhesives that will eventually fail in laminated products. Deliberately limiting the life of a product promotes new sales, as people will need to buy a new product. This can also be used to determine the length of the product guarantee.
• Environmental regulations and adaptability: Products must be designed to meet current environmental standards while anticipating future changes in regulations. Many disposable food containers are now designed with intentionally degradable materials that will break down within a specific timeframe.
• Trends and consumer expectations: Graphic products are heavily influenced by current design trends and visual styles. Product packaging and point-of-sale displays are deliberately styled to reflect current fashion, using specific color schemes, typography, and design elements that will look dated within a planned timeframe.
• Material limitations: Products are created using materials that have known degradation patterns over time. For instance, plastic packaging may become brittle after a certain period of exposure to UV light, or paper products may use inks that fade predictably to encourage replacement. If certain parts of the product will degrade by a certain time, there is no point making other parts last longer.
• Outdated technologies: Sometimes industries evolve so fast (such as mobile phones) that designing components to last 10 years is pointless. Modern packaging and graphic products increasingly incorporate technological elements with limited lifespans. For example, QR codes become obsolete when linked websites change, and smart packaging with embedded electronics using batteries have a limited lifespan.
• Reduces the need for replacement parts: If a product is designed to be cost-effectively replaced, it reduces the likelihood of repairs to older models. Many service industries are built around repairing products. This not only eliminates the need for dealing with returns and replacements, but focuses on promoting new sales, which is often much easier.
• Increased hype: If a new model keeps coming out, excitement can be hyped about receiving the latest model. This can boost sales and develop competitiveness among consumers.