3 ms·
This is probably the most realistic theory I've heard that explains planned obsolescence. I'd then argue that there's still some malevolence in there and that
by gandreani 8y ago
This is probably the most realistic theory I've heard that explains planned obsolescence.
I'd then argue that there's still some malevolence in there and that would be the maximum lifetime they calculated. Clearly the older stuff lasts longer so they miscalculated how long the new stuff should last and at some point it becomes the new norm. "Oh yeah, washer's aren't supposed to last more than 7 years"
- ggm 8y agoyes the malevolence is there, but it can be contained. in high price whitegoods (odd name, but there you go, the high price ones are now satin finish metal!) there is a huge story about long-life. European fridges have been driven to insanely thick insulation, far exceeding Australian standards, and there is a structural side to this: the units are very rigid, but have remarkably thin metal skins. If we said that 95% of the product must be demonstrated to be capable of lasting 15 years, and could test it, we'd be driving to airframe resilience engineering: the jumbo jet is designed to work inside the metals fatigue point almost indefinitely, modulo cracking. Thats not how we make consumer goods.