Self-destructive design
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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 |