Self-destructive design

Self-destructive design is a generic form of product design whereby it is possible that some if not all functions of the device will cease functioning. Self-destructive design can occur unintentionally due to oversights but it can be implemented intentionally for a number of reasons. Self-destructive design is split into numerous types: discontinuation bricking, end-of-life irreparability, and planned obsolescence. All forms of self-destructive design harm consumers in that it reduces product lifetime and increases waste production.

Overall impacts

All types of self-destructive design share common impacts on consumer rights.

Actively malicious behavior

All types of self-destructive design can occur out of malicious intent to ruin a consumer's product but it is important to note that only planned obsolescence is always malicious in that it is the only one that has a direct intent to reduce product functionality.

Excessive waste

Excessive waste of all forms are inevitable in all types of self-destructive design. The loss of product or component functionality will create justification for consumers to discard their product and replace it with a functioning one; in fact planned obsolescence is often implemented with this intent.

Hard vs soft bricking

The term "bricking" refers to the process of a product losing functionality to the point that it becomes "brick-like" -- just a useless object. A product becomes hard-bricked if all its functionality is lost, usually in a very sudden manner -- in the flick of a switch. Hard-bricked devices are often difficult to de-brick. A product becomes soft-bricked when some of its functionality is lost. Soft-bricking can occur quickly but it can also slowly progress into hard-bricking; I.E: oxidation of a processor slowly killing it.

Dependence on third-parties

Some consumers will wish to repair their products after it has been damaged.

Type | Impact	Actively malicious behavior	Excessive waste	Soft-brick	Hard-brick
Planned Obsolescence	Always	Guaranteed	Likely	Possible but unlikely as of now
Discontinuation Bricking	Sometimes	Guaranteed	Unlikely	Often
EOL Irreparability	Sometimes	Guaranteed	Likely	Likely