The Conceptual Significance of #Maintenance in Design Sustainability: A Lifelong Practice

In the fields of Industrial Design, Product Design, and UI/UX Design, there exists a prevailing mindset focused on consumption rather than maintenance. We often acquire new products without fully comprehending the implications for their life cycle. However, the need for designs that facilitate maintenance is becoming increasingly crucial in our quest for #sustainabilityleadership .

I play the Fix-It Felix Jr. at home. I repair my kids broken toys, chipped walls, broken kitchenware or appliance. I still have the first work shirt I bought when I was an intern two decades ago. I recently updated my 7-year-old HP Zbook laptop with Windows 10 and new software and found that its hardware was still capable of fulfilling my needs (yes, I know after all the new faster, more powerful, massive computers from recent releases). This realization made me reflect on the importance of maintenance in extending the lifespan of our possessions and challenging the culture of #disposability.

When we lack the knowledge or skills to maintain the things we own, disposing of them becomes a convenient option.

This perpetuates an irresponsible cycle of consumption, wherein valuable resources are wasted. To break free from this cycle, we must recognize the significance of maintenance as a lifelong practice.

Real stories of maintenance triumphs illustrate the lengths to which people will go to sustain beloved possessions. I recall my childhood friend Kevin's father, Mr. Broomfield, who kept a broken-down Volvo 240 in his garage. Despite the challenges of finding replacement parts, Mr. Broomfield's commitment and craftsmanship enabled him to fabricate components and revive the car. This may not be a notable case study, but it resonates with many individuals who understand the value of #preserving something that has the potential to endure.

Maintenance extends beyond the realm of capitalism; it permeates our mindset and impacts our relationships. By committing to maintenance, we embrace the long-term purpose of the things we possess. From a design perspective, it means creating products that are maintainable, with careful consideration of their life cycle and the avoidance of planned obsolescence.

As designers, it is our responsibility to educate consumers about maintenance, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding disposability versus prolonging the lifespan of their possessions.

Shifting from a linear economy to a circular economy requires us to embrace maintenance as a key component. In this context, maintenance contributes to #prolonging the user cycle, minimizing waste, and promoting resource conservation. For instance, when designing products for children, adaptability becomes integral. Considering evolving demographics and psychographics, we must create designs that can adapt to changing needs and accommodate multiple users in the shared economy.

Organizations have a vital role to play in incorporating maintenance into their design practices. It necessitates a shift in mindset, considering the entire lifecycle of a product rather than merely managing component inventory. Empowering end-users with the necessary resources and knowledge to maintain the products they own should be an integral part of an organization's Environmental, Social, and Governance (#esggoals ) practices.

However, there are common barriers that hinder the prioritization of maintenance in design sustainability. Short-term vision and the pressure to expedite time-to-market often overshadow long-term planning. Designing products that last requires time, thoughtful consideration, and a #commitment to the principles of sustainability. It is essential to overcome these barriers and recognize the profound impact that maintenance can have on product development.

By integrating maintenance into the design process, we fundamentally change our approach to product development. Imagine a design brief that demands products to last for 50 to 100 years, taking into account their environmental impact and potential for future waste. This shift requires a collective effort to #rethink our relationship with consumer goods, fostering a culture that values longevity over disposability.

Education and awareness play pivotal roles in driving sustainable consumption. By imparting knowledge about the importance of maintenance and empowering individuals to demand more from the products they use, we can foster a shift in consumer behavior. Educational initiatives can encompass various channels, from schools and universities to public campaigns and online platforms. Through education, we can create a ripple effect, instilling a sense of #responsibility and encouraging individuals to embrace maintenance as an essential practice for a sustainable future.

"In a world that's constantly changing, there's something powerful about the things that endure. Maintenance helps us create that lasting impact."

- Emily Pilloton

In conclusion, the conceptual significance of maintenance in design sustainability cannot be understated. By shifting our mindset from a culture of disposability to one that values longevity and maintenance, we can unlock a multitude of benefits. Maintenance enables us to extend the lifespan of our possessions, conserve resources, minimize waste, and foster a #circulareconomy. It requires a commitment from individuals, organizations, and society as a whole to prioritize maintenance in the design process, overcome barriers, and embrace long-term planning. Through education and awareness, we can cultivate a culture that values sustainability, encouraging consumers to make informed choices and actively contribute to a more sustainable future. Let us embrace maintenance as a lifelong practice, shaping a world where designs endure, and sustainability thrives.