Extending Product Lifespan with AI: Tactics for Product and Technology Innovators
As tech enthusiasts, we've all been there—ditching a gadget long before it truly dies. Whether it’s because the device starts lagging, the battery life wanes, or a shiny new version hits the market, our tech often meets an untimely end. And let’s be honest, sometimes we fall for that slick marketing that convinces us we need the latest model when, in reality, we don’t. Take a stroll through any electronics store, and you'll see smartphones flying off the shelves, bought by consumers eager for the newest features, even when their current devices still have plenty of life left.
But here’s a cool fact: If you keep your smartphone for just one extra year, you can slash its lifetime CO2 impact by a whopping third. That’s because around 80% of a smartphone’s greenhouse gas emissions happen during production. Yet, we still upgrade. Why? Often because our devices become less functional or fall behind on software updates, even if they’re still physically intact.
So, how do we keep our gadgets in our lives longer? It’s all about clever design strategies. Here are some ways to help tech last longer, with AI-driven real-world examples to inspire innovation.
Lengthen Lifespan is the twenty-second Design Strategy in a series where I share essential tips for creating tech products people love, based on the book Design Things That Make Sense (with a free downloadable toolkit).
Design to Update
Security is crucial for internet-connected devices, but keeping them updated can be a headache for manufacturers. For instance, Nest Thermostats use AI to learn user habits and optimize energy usage. Regular software updates powered by AI allow these devices to not only improve energy efficiency over time but also enhance their algorithms to better predict user behavior, keeping the devices functional and relevant longer without forcing users into unnecessary upgrades.
Design for Upgrade
Rapid technological advancements mean today’s tech can feel outdated fast. Framework Laptop, a modular laptop, takes this challenge head-on by allowing users to upgrade parts like the CPU or GPU as needed. While they’re skirting announcing AI-related features for now, one could imagine using AI in system diagnostics to help users identify when an upgrade is necessary and which components will optimize performance based on their specific usage patterns, ensuring the laptop stays powerful and up-to-date over a longer lifespan.
Design for Repair
The right-to-repair movement has gained momentum, and for good reason. When gadgets break, too often we’re forced to replace them because repairs are just too difficult. Dyson, known for its powerful vacuum cleaners, has made strides in this area by making repair guides and AI-powered diagnostic tools available to customers. These tools can guide users through repairs step-by-step, ensuring that products stay in service longer without costly replacements.
Design to Maintain
Predictive maintenance is where AI really shines. John Deere, for example, uses AI and machine learning to predict when their agricultural machinery needs maintenance, preventing costly breakdowns. In the consumer space, LG’s ThinQ appliances use AI to monitor usage patterns and wear on components, predicting when maintenance is needed. Whether it’s a washing machine or refrigerator, AI helps extend the life of these products by ensuring they’re serviced at the right time.
Design to Last
A product’s lifespan is significantly influenced by the materials used and how it's put together. DJI’s drones, which include AI-powered flight systems, are designed not only for performance but also for durability. Their robust design, combined with AI that helps prevent crashes and avoid obstacles, means these drones can withstand more and stay in use longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Design to Protect
As our gadgets become more integrated into our lives, keeping them safe from everyday mishaps is more important than ever. Many smartphone and other device companies use technology to manage temperature and battery health in their products. AI might enhance this by predicting when the products are about to overheat or when the battery is under strain and take preventative actions, such as reducing power consumption or adjusting performance levels, to protect the hardware and extend its lifespan.
Design to Love
When we form an emotional connection with a product, we’re far less likely to part with it. This attachment can be cultivated through design that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and adaptable. The concept of Design to Love is a powerful strategy, though mainstream AI-powered examples remain scarce.
Sony’s Aibo provides an interesting case: this robotic pet uses AI to learn and adapt, keeping interactions engaging and relevant over time. While it has gained a dedicated fan base and cult status, it hasn’t achieved widespread success. By contrast, other similar products, like Tamagotchis, often lose their novelty quickly.
Recently, we are witnessing the rise of AI companions such as Replika. This platform creates personalised chatbot companions for millions of users, building relationships and earning their trust. Yet, while Replika highlights the potential of AI-driven emotional design, it also raises important questions about AI ethics, data privacy, and the risks of fostering user dependency on virtual relationships. When taking this design route, be sure to wear your ethical hat, as the implications can be far-reaching.
Design to Reuse
Sometimes, a product’s primary function may no longer serve us, but with a bit of creativity, it can find a new life. For example, an old laptop could be imagined as a media or file server, or an image library. An old smartphone could become a picture frame to display old photos or new art. There remains much opportunity for innovators in this space.
By embracing the Design to Love Design Strategy, we can help consumers see their tech as more than just the latest and greatest gadget but as long-term companions in their digital lives. Being good for the planet can mean being good for business too. After all, a happy customer who loves their product is likely to stick around.
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This article is the twenty-second publication in a series of articles sharing practical, actionable tips on how to design tech products that people don't just use, but love. We'll dive into applying AI in ways that truly matter by making technology work for people, not the other way around.
The articles build on the world’s leading design methods for designing successful tech products, as described in the book “Design Things that Make Sense”. Visit www.designthingsthatmakesense.com to learn more or download the free toolkit.
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