Consumer Goods and Planned Obsolescence

What prompted the author to start thinking about the decline in product quality?

• A coworker had to replace a bra that fell apart quickly.

• The author read an article about planned obsolescence.

• A friend complained about a broken coffee machine.

• The author bought a defective phone.

What are the three main factors considered in the design process of a product?

• Functionality, Appearance, Manufacturability

• Durability, Cost, Style

• Quality, Price, Availability

• Design, Production, Marketing

Who is credited with the idea of 'consumer engineering'?

• Ernest Elmo

• Henry Ford

• Steve Jobs

• Thomas Edison

What is one reason why people buy new products frequently?

• There are fewer product options available.

• Products are often out of style quickly.

• Products are always on sale.

• People have more disposable income.

What has been the trend in clothing purchases between 2000 and 2014?

• People bought 30% less clothing and kept each item half as long.

• People bought 60% less clothing and kept each item twice as long.

• People bought 30% more clothing and kept each item twice as long.

• People bought 60% more clothing and kept each item half as long.

What is one way companies keep manufacturing costs low?

• Increasing the price of products.

• Swapping materials for cheaper alternatives.

• Hiring fewer people.

• Reducing the number of products made.

Why do modern devices often become difficult to repair?

• They are designed to be thrown away.

• They are too simple to require repairs.

• They are made with high-quality materials.

• They come with comprehensive repair tools.

What is one suggested way to combat the fast fashion trend?

• Stay away from micro trends and fast fashion.

• Purchase cheaper synthetic materials.

• Buy more products online.

• Follow the latest fashion trends.

What is the 'right to repair' movement advocating for?

• Increased product obsolescence.

• Consumers' ability to repair their own devices.

• Lower prices for new products.

• More frequent product upgrades.

What is one action consumers can take to influence product quality?

• Ignore product care labels.

• Buy with intention and take care of their belongings.

• Purchase the cheapest available products.

• Follow every new trend.