4 ms·

Something could be the most amazing design in the world, but if it cant serve its function, then its just well designed garbage. Repairability is a function i e

Something could be the most amazing design in the world, but if it cant serve its function, then its just well designed garbage. Repairability is a function i except a product to have, and if it doesnt to me that is a failure.

systemvoltage 6y ago
I think Airpods are an exception. Do you think hermetically sealed things like Pacemaker [0] should be repairable? I generally agree with you - I personally wish people weren't so afraid of screws and other cosmetic artifacts that allow things to be repairable. There is a general distaste from the public to make things sexy, clean and minimal. So manufacturers comply. Just look up a 1950's electric coffee grinder [1] - it will have visible screws without an apology. Or a Collins instrument in a airplane cockpit even today [2]. I blame the public, designers and the bean counters. Generally, engineers' job would be easy if things were repairable because assembly/disassembly is part of the requirements from the get go and there is no Jony Ive breathing down their necks to hide screw holes. There is a whole area of study of snap-fit components to reduce BOM cost and this is where the bean counters come in. [0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNW3Xqtgkus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNW3Xqtgkus [1] https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-electric-coffee-grinder-411680866 https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-electric-coff... [2] https://www.aeroexpo.online/prod/collins-aerospace-rockwell-collins/product-170410-6862.html https://www.aeroexpo.online/prod/collins-aerospace-rockwell-...
- crossroadsguy 6y ago
  How do you think pacemakers and AirPods are even comparable?
  - systemvoltage 6y ago
    They have some similarities and many differences. I was just extending my argument to make a point that: 1) Can't increase the size 2) Ingress of fluids and weather sealing is a concern 3) Battery capacity > aesthetics/repairability

systemvoltage 6y ago

I think Airpods are an exception. Do you think hermetically sealed things like Pacemaker [0] should be repairable? I generally agree with you - I personally wish people weren't so afraid of screws and other cosmetic artifacts that allow things to be repairable. There is a general distaste from the public to make things sexy, clean and minimal. So manufacturers comply. Just look up a 1950's electric coffee grinder [1] - it will have visible screws without an apology. Or a Collins instrument in a airplane cockpit even today [2]. I blame the public, designers and the bean counters. Generally, engineers' job would be easy if things were repairable because assembly/disassembly is part of the requirements from the get go and there is no Jony Ive breathing down their necks to hide screw holes. There is a whole area of study of snap-fit components to reduce BOM cost and this is where the bean counters come in. [0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNW3Xqtgkus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNW3Xqtgkus [1] https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-electric-coffee-grinder-411680866 https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-electric-coff... [2] https://www.aeroexpo.online/prod/collins-aerospace-rockwell-collins/product-170410-6862.html https://www.aeroexpo.online/prod/collins-aerospace-rockwell-...

crossroadsguy 6y ago
How do you think pacemakers and AirPods are even comparable?
- systemvoltage 6y ago
  They have some similarities and many differences. I was just extending my argument to make a point that: 1) Can't increase the size 2) Ingress of fluids and weather sealing is a concern 3) Battery capacity > aesthetics/repairability