PROMPT Consortium releases Premature Obsolescence Multi-Stakeholder Product Testing Program

Published on January 13, 2023

A report developed by PROMPT consortium presents a research conducted on physical design aspects influencing diagnosis, maintenance, repair, and physical durability of electrical and electronic household products. The research has been conducted by analysing repair data and through expert interviews, observational user tests and design analysis of products.

Based on the key insights, the report presents design principles and guidelines addressing maintenance, repair, and physical durability of electrical and electronic household products. The guidelines seek to serve as a tool for designers, manufacturers, and product engineers to design and develop electrical and electronic household appliances that can avoid premature obsolescence.

Nine principles and four design guidelines were identified; the diagnosis process could be facilitated by minimizing disassembly, facilitating disassembly when needed, and providing timely and understandable feedback and instructions.