Planned obsolescence in one minute

Summary

This video discusses strategies to increase product sales by encouraging repeat purchases. It highlights two key techniques: psychological obsolescence, where marketing and design make consumers feel pressured to upgrade to the latest version, and planned obsolescence, where products are intentionally designed to fail after a certain period. The example of flat-screen TV manufacturing is given, where parts are made difficult to replace. These techniques, according to the video, benefit businesses, boost the economy, create jobs, and satisfy consumers by keeping them engaged with the latest products.

Takeaways

• 💡 Design products so that consumers need to purchase them repeatedly.
• 🧠 Utilize psychological obsolescence by making older versions of a product feel outdated.
• 🎯 Create hype around the latest version of a product to encourage upgrading.
• 😓 Make consumers feel embarrassed for owning older versions through marketing and design.
• 🛠️ Employ planned obsolescence, ensuring a part of the product breaks after a certain usage period.
• 🔥 Design components, like flat screen condensers, to degrade faster by placing them near heat sources.
• 🔒 Make it difficult or impossible to replace parts by soldering components like condensers to the motherboard.
• 💼 These techniques help boost product sales and stimulate economic growth.
• 👩‍💼 The strategies create jobs and keep the economy running.
• 😃 Consumers are happy to have the latest product, despite these tactics.

Q & A

What are some techniques to ensure consumers repeatedly buy a product?

Some techniques include psychological obsolescence, where consumers feel the need to buy the latest version due to marketing pressure, and planned obsolescence, where products are designed to wear out or become outdated after a certain period of use.

What is psychological obsolescence?

Psychological obsolescence involves creating hype around new product versions and making consumers feel ashamed or outdated for owning older versions, encouraging them to buy the latest release.

How does planned obsolescence work?

Planned obsolescence is when a product is intentionally designed to fail or become less effective after a certain period. This can be done by using materials that wear out quickly or designing products in a way that makes them difficult or impossible to repair.

Can you give an example of planned obsolescence?

An example is placing a condenser close to a heat source in flat screens, causing it to wear out faster. Additionally, the condenser might be soldered to the motherboard, making it impossible to replace separately.

What are the benefits of using these sales techniques for a company?

These techniques can boost sales volume by ensuring repeat purchases, increasing product turnover, and generating continuous revenue. They can also help create employment and contribute to economic growth.

Are there any downsides to planned obsolescence for consumers?

Yes, consumers may feel frustrated when products fail prematurely and they are forced to buy replacements, leading to increased expenses and potential environmental concerns due to more waste.

How does marketing play a role in psychological obsolescence?

Marketing creates a narrative that the latest version of a product is superior and more desirable. This pressure can make consumers feel inadequate or left out if they continue using older versions.

What is the impact of planned obsolescence on product design?

Product design focuses not only on aesthetics and functionality but also on ensuring that certain parts are likely to fail or become obsolete, necessitating the purchase of new products or models.

Why might a company choose to make a product difficult to repair?

Making a product difficult to repair ensures that consumers are more likely to buy a new one rather than fixing the old one, thereby increasing the company's sales and profits.

How do these techniques benefit the economy?

By encouraging frequent purchases and product updates, these techniques stimulate production and sales, contributing to economic growth and employment. They create a cycle of consumption that supports various sectors of the economy.