Memorandum+5


 * Project Definition Nested Research Questions **


 * Working Title:** A New View of Planned Obsolescence


 * Key Words:** Planned obsolescence, sustainability, consumerism, materialism, perceived obsolescence, innovation, life cycle analysis

Consumer interviews- elaborating on frustrations of products designed to break and about views of sustainability and consumerism, documentaries, peer reviewed articles- scholarly articles and papers exploring different facets of planned obsolescence, media and news of products infamous for planned obsolescence- light bulbs, printers, computers, iPod batteries, etc., company design trends- asking design firms their methods and views on sustainable design vs. cost and market demands
 * Data Sets?**

What if products brought to market could function for longer without compromising companies’ ability to compete in the marketplace? Could more products be designed sustainably? What direction must be taken for planned obsolescence to still exist in a more sustainable society and or is it even necessary? What are the benefits of planned obsolescence and how could we keep its positive effects and get rid of its negative impact?
 * Social Theoretical Questions?**

Currently, consumer products become obsolete at a rate that is unsustainable for the planet and generally frustrating for most people. There has to be a far more sustainable mindset for product designers and engineers to follow. We are starting to see this with cradle to cradle design and design with entire product life style but there is still a long way to go and we need to reverse these negative trends.
 * Why now?**

I am both a frustrated consumer and designer who recognizes this practice works against consumer demand and the environment and I want to help change that.
 * H****ow Prepared?**

I am not a part of a company so I see it as a problem, not a recommended strategic business practice. The advantages do not outweigh disadvantages in my opinion but that does not mean we should get rid of planned obsolescence entirely.
 * Bias?**

Environmental Conservation, Sustainable Product Design, Engineering, Economics and Business, product life cycle, modern consumerism- sociology, history- development and adoption of planned obsolescence
 * Fields of Work?**

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA)
 * Funders**