Correct referencing
Name of Website / Page / Section
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Date accessed
EG
Medium - Full history of Board Games
The Full History of Board Games. From 5000 BC to now | by Peter Attia | Medium
15/7/24
Obsolescence
define and compare forms of obsolescence
technical
functional
postponement
planned
advantages and disadvantages for society, business and the environment, of forms of obsolescence
Technical Obsolescence:
Definition: Technical obsolescence occurs when a product becomes outdated due to advancements in technology. It may still function properly, but newer versions offer improved features or performance.
Advantages: It drives innovation and technological progress, stimulating economic growth. Consumers benefit from access to better products.
Disadvantages: It can lead to a cycle of constant upgrading, contributing to electronic waste (e-waste) and resource depletion as older devices are discarded.
Functional Obsolescence:
Definition: Functional obsolescence happens when a product is still technically viable but is no longer desirable due to changes in consumer preferences, styling, or other non-technological factors.
Advantages: It encourages companies to continuously improve products to match changing consumer demands.
Disadvantages: It can lead to wasteful consumption patterns and excessive production of goods with short lifespans, contributing to environmental degradation and resource depletion.
Postponement Obsolescence:
Definition: Postponement obsolescence occurs when a company delays the release of new products or technologies to maximize profits from existing ones.
Advantages: It allows businesses to maximize revenue from existing products before introducing newer versions, which can be more sustainable from a resource standpoint.
Disadvantages: Consumers may feel frustrated by the delayed access to new features or improvements, and it can potentially stifle innovation if companies prioritize short-term profits over technological advancements.
Planned Obsolescence:
Definition: Planned obsolescence is the intentional design of products with a limited lifespan or with components that are difficult or costly to repair or upgrade, encouraging consumers to buy new products.
Advantages: It can stimulate economic activity by driving frequent consumer purchases, increasing sales and profits for businesses.
Disadvantages: It leads to wasteful consumption, contributes to e-waste, and can strain the environment by increasing resource extraction and energy consumption for manufacturing.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Society:
Advantages: Access to newer, more advanced products improves quality of life and satisfaction for consumers. Technological progress enhances productivity and efficiency in various sectors.
Disadvantages: Wasteful consumption patterns can lead to financial strain on individuals and exacerbate social inequalities. Planned obsolescence can erode consumer trust and lead to skepticism about corporate ethics.
Business:
Advantages: Obsolescence can drive sales and revenue growth, as consumers are encouraged to replace older products with newer ones. It fosters competition and innovation among businesses.
Disadvantages: Short product lifecycles and rapid technological advancements can increase production costs and create inventory management challenges. Negative publicity from planned obsolescence can damage brand reputation and customer loyalty.
Environment:
Advantages: Postponing obsolescence and promoting sustainable consumption can reduce environmental impact by extending the lifespan of products and minimizing resource extraction.
Disadvantages: Planned obsolescence and rapid product turnover contribute to e-waste accumulation, pollution, and resource depletion. Manufacturing and disposal processes associated with obsolete products can harm ecosystems and contribute to climate change.
In summary, while obsolescence can drive economic growth and technological progress, its various forms pose significant challenges in terms of sustainability, resource management, and consumer welfare. Balancing the benefits of innovation with the need for environmental and social responsibility remains a key challenge for businesses and policymakers.
Technical Obsolescence:
Example: Smartphones
New models are released regularly with upgraded features such as better cameras, faster processors, and improved connectivity. Older models may still function but lack the latest technology, prompting consumers to upgrade.
Functional Obsolescence:
Example: Fashion Apparel
Clothing styles and trends change frequently, rendering previously fashionable items undesirable. Even if clothing is still in good condition, changes in style may lead individuals to replace them with newer garments.
Postponement Obsolescence:
Example: Gaming Consoles
Companies often delay releasing upgraded versions of gaming consoles to maximize sales and profits from existing models. Consumers may have to wait several years before gaining access to the latest technology and features.
Planned Obsolescence:
Example: Printers
Some printer manufacturers design their products with built-in mechanisms to limit the lifespan of components such as ink cartridges or print heads. This encourages consumers to purchase new printers or expensive replacement parts rather than repairing existing ones.
These examples illustrate how different forms of obsolescence manifest in various industries and products, influencing consumer behaviour, market dynamics, and environmental impact.