Loop
My Role:
Product Design
Branding
UX Research & Strategy
Timeline:
3 months
Tools:
Figma
Adobe Illustrator
A refurbished tech company focused on eliminating e-waste by creating a transparent circular system for electronics. Capstone project.
Problem
Planned obsolescence—designing products like mobile electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops) to have limited lifespans—drives rapid replacement cycles. This practice leads to significant increases in electronic waste and environmental harm, further compounded by the lack of clear consumer information about device lifecycles, repair options, and sustainable choices.
Objective
To empower consumers to make better and more sustainable decisions regarding their mobile electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.).
Research
I conducted semi‑structured user interviews and online surveys, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and adherence to research ethics guidelines, including the Tri‑Council Policy Statement (TCPS 2). To strengthen these insights, I also reviewed relevant online materials and scholarly articles, which helped contextualize the findings and understand broader patterns in user behavior.
Research Queries
What are the primary causes and contributing factors behind planned obsolescence in mobile electronic devices?
What are the typical stages and durations in the lifecycle of mobile electronic devices from purchase to disposal?
In what ways do emotional attachment and perceived product value affect consumers’ decisions regarding the repair, retention, or replacement of mobile electronic devices?
What are the key factors influencing consumer attitudes and willingness to purchase refurbished mobile electronic devices?
What laws, regulations and movements challenge planned obsolescence? What is the level of consumer awareness and understanding of their rights?
Conclusion+
Solution
Planned obsolescence is built into today’s economy, where companies prioritize repeat sales over long‑lasting products. Changing this at a systemic level would require major shifts in how markets and profit are structured, which is beyond the scope of this project.
Within these constraints, I focused on Loop, a refurbished tech company, exploring how design can strengthen emotional attachment, build trust in refurbished devices, and encourage repair and reuse over replacement.”
