Design Research
Smartphone Repairability
A design-driven research exploring users’ perceptions of smartphone repairability and the tipping point between repairing and replacing.
Year :
2024
Project Duration :
16 weeks
Project Type :
Individual
Problem :
Phones are often replaced within four years, even though they contain many valuable and still functional components. Despite this, users continue to replace them for similar reasons. This research investigates these underlying motivations and explores what factors could encourage users to keep their phones for a longer period.
Contribution :
This individual research project involved organizing and conducting focus groups and interviews with design students over multiple iterations. Design probes were used to stimulate discussion and elicit more diverse and in-depth insights into what people truly value and desire.
Solution :
The research found that most users are willing to keep their phones longer. However, despite the existence of repairable options like Fairphone, many users feel attached to their current brand, compelled to keep up with technological innovation, and justified in replacing their phones after years of daily use. To encourage longer use, both the emotional value people attach to their phones and the perceived need for innovation should be addressed when designing more repairable and durable devices.
More Projects
Design Research
Smartphone Repairability
A design-driven research exploring users’ perceptions of smartphone repairability and the tipping point between repairing and replacing.
Year :
2024
Project Duration :
16 weeks
Project Type :
Individual
Problem :
Phones are often replaced within four years, even though they contain many valuable and still functional components. Despite this, users continue to replace them for similar reasons. This research investigates these underlying motivations and explores what factors could encourage users to keep their phones for a longer period.
Contribution :
This individual research project involved organizing and conducting focus groups and interviews with design students over multiple iterations. Design probes were used to stimulate discussion and elicit more diverse and in-depth insights into what people truly value and desire.
Solution :
The research found that most users are willing to keep their phones longer. However, despite the existence of repairable options like Fairphone, many users feel attached to their current brand, compelled to keep up with technological innovation, and justified in replacing their phones after years of daily use. To encourage longer use, both the emotional value people attach to their phones and the perceived need for innovation should be addressed when designing more repairable and durable devices.
More Projects
Design Research
Smartphone Repairability
A design-driven research exploring users’ perceptions of smartphone repairability and the tipping point between repairing and replacing.
Year :
2024
Project Duration :
16 weeks
Project Type :
Individual
Problem :
Phones are often replaced within four years, even though they contain many valuable and still functional components. Despite this, users continue to replace them for similar reasons. This research investigates these underlying motivations and explores what factors could encourage users to keep their phones for a longer period.
Contribution :
This individual research project involved organizing and conducting focus groups and interviews with design students over multiple iterations. Design probes were used to stimulate discussion and elicit more diverse and in-depth insights into what people truly value and desire.
Solution :
The research found that most users are willing to keep their phones longer. However, despite the existence of repairable options like Fairphone, many users feel attached to their current brand, compelled to keep up with technological innovation, and justified in replacing their phones after years of daily use. To encourage longer use, both the emotional value people attach to their phones and the perceived need for innovation should be addressed when designing more repairable and durable devices.