Memorandum+6


 * Hierarchy of Research Questions**


 * Social theory questions**

- What is the relationship between market pressures, technological progress, and consumer adoption? - What are reoccurring obstacles to change within an established system?
 * -** How can a society motivated by monetary gain and deep-rooted in consumerism be sustainable?


 * Overarching empirical questions:**

- How does society view consumerism? - How aware are individuals and society of the realities of product life cycle and where stuff ends up? - How aware are individuals of their materialistic tendencies? - How did society get to this point of an unsustainable and destructive consumer culture? - To what extent and in what forms is planned obsolescence necessary? - How is planned obsolescence advantageous for consumers, innovation, and progress? - Could planned obsolescence become a more sustainable practice? - What would be ideal and what would this take?


 * Interview Questions:**

- What objects in your life do you think are designed to fail or become unusable? - What are some products that you replace even though they are still usable? - What products do you think should be designed to become obsolete and why? - Do we need planned obsolescence? Perceived obsolescence? - What are your views about planned obsolescence? What are your frustrations? - To what extent do you think the positives of planned obsolescence affect you? - Do you think that at this point within the current social and economic structure, sustainable product development and technological advancement could be achieved and what do you think would be required for this to happen if you think it is possible? - What do you think are some of the ethical questions that arise with the practice of planned obsolescence and what are your moral views in comparison to these companies? - Where do you see yourself within the larger whole, the role you have in society, and your attention to sustainability?


 * Note:** Interviews will be tailored to the individuals and their backgrounds and ethical views.