Can products be designed with regeneration and repair in mind?
TWSTR 1.0 is a hair dryer that discusses disassembly, reassembly, reparability and usability. It is a framework for a product that maximizes reparability, ease of cleaning and maintenance through two-screw disassembly and effortless lid scoop fan removal.
I began this project by reading about Planned Obsolescence, and other sustainable practices. I also watched documentaries that talk about overproduction, overconsumption and the exploitative behavioral patterns of the modern human generations. The energy, resources, thought and time that goes into making any physical artefact is unappreciated, unrecognized and unacknowledged in today’s world. My motive was to make people aware of how they treat the objects they possess through the framework of a product that I generate.
I was fortunate to have met and discussed my work with Dr. Hema Sane, retired botany professor. She introduced me to the term ‘Affluenza’, a portmanteau of affluence and influenza, commonly used by critics of consumerism. I made sure to add all the details and observations in my framework to give the user the freedom to open up the product, clean it themselves and maintain it in the best manner and then if required, change any components by themselves.
I began this project by reading about Planned Obsolescence, and other sustainable practices. I also watched documentaries that talk about overproduction, overconsumption and the exploitative behavioral patterns of the modern human generations. The energy, resources, thought and time that goes into making any physical artefact is unappreciated, unrecognized and unacknowledged in today’s world. My motive was to make people aware of how they treat the objects they possess through the framework of a product that I generate.
I was fortunate to have met and discussed my work with Dr. Hema Sane, retired botany professor. She introduced me to the term ‘Affluenza’, a portmanteau of affluence and influenza, commonly used by critics of consumerism. I made sure to add all the details and observations in my framework to give the user the freedom to open up the product, clean it themselves and maintain it in the best manner and then if required, change any components by themselves.
Given the constraints of the circumstances and the workplace limitations, I was able to achieve a lot. I am happy to have been able to 3D print parts of the product so far. There is scope for a lot of improvement, hence the name 1.0. Right now, the project is still at the Product Level, a lot more can be done to enrich it conceptually and as a service, to make a statement in the current capitalistic, consumeristic industry.
Product Longevity is a practice that every designer needs to develop as it is the need of the hour. This aspect of design will always help in my future endeavors. This is not just a Student Project for me. I will keep working on it to expand into a product lifestyle and a larger culture itself.
INSPIRATIONS
Books:
Made to Break, Cradle to Cradle, Emotionally Durable Design, Sustainable Everyday.
Films:
The Light bulb Conspiracy, Plastic China, David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, Climate Change: The Facts, Before the Flood, Seven Worlds One Planet, Pump, etc.
People:
Dr. Hema Sane
Projects:
Adidas Future-Craft Project, Fairphone, Kasey Hou’s Flatpack toaster, Samuel Davies’ Repairwear Iron box, Open E-components, etc.
Product Longevity is a practice that every designer needs to develop as it is the need of the hour. This aspect of design will always help in my future endeavors. This is not just a Student Project for me. I will keep working on it to expand into a product lifestyle and a larger culture itself.
INSPIRATIONS
Books:
Made to Break, Cradle to Cradle, Emotionally Durable Design, Sustainable Everyday.
Films:
The Light bulb Conspiracy, Plastic China, David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, Climate Change: The Facts, Before the Flood, Seven Worlds One Planet, Pump, etc.
People:
Dr. Hema Sane
Projects:
Adidas Future-Craft Project, Fairphone, Kasey Hou’s Flatpack toaster, Samuel Davies’ Repairwear Iron box, Open E-components, etc.