WorksheetsConsumer Goods and Planned Obsolescence
Total questions: 10
Worksheet time: 5mins
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.
