The Strategy of Short-Lived Products: How planned obsolescence shapes the economy, the environment, and society

Why do modern devices often break down just after the warranty expires? Why are many products difficult to repair, even though they are still technically intact? And what responsibility do companies, legislators, and consumers bear for the short-lived culture of throwing things away? This book provides a comprehensive analysis of planned obsolescence-the deliberate shortening of product life cycles-in all its technical, economic, legal, and cultural facets. It sheds light on historical origins as well as current strategies in industries such as electronics, the automotive industry, and software development. In doing so, it reveals the complexity of the interplay between design decisions, market logic, consumer behavior, and the political framework.
The work offers well-founded insights into the legal debate on manufacturer obligations and the ＂right to repair,＂ compares international regulatory approaches, and examines the ecological consequences of the wear-and-tear principle. At the same time, it critically discusses whether and to what extent planned obsolescence also acts as a driver of innovation-or rather systematically prevents genuine progress. With a view to possible alternatives - from the circular economy and modular product design to cultural change in consumption - this book offers guidance for academia, politics, industry, and civil society actors concerned with sustainable product policy and responsibility in design.
Bremen University Press has published over 4,800 specialist books in various languages since 2005.
1st edition 2025