Design life

The design life is the lifespan of the object. This is the period between the creation of the product and the moment when the product is worn out and not able to work. Designers should keep in mind how important all the components are to the target product. There are products that are constructed in such a way that their rye is as long as possible. They are expensive and luxurious goods. This is due to the precise production and selection of well-grade components. It happens that products made in the best possible way are used by consumers longer than expected by the product. This is due to good use and care of the object. The designers who watch over us in the process of preparing the object for production play an important role. A number of

• spacecraft,
• artificial satellites
• some public transport vehicles fall qualitatively in this category.

Basic goods usually have a shorter life expectancy. This is due to minimizing costs and getting cheaper, which in turn means worse components. By comparing the same product but at a different price, you can see that the more expensive product will have a longer life. This is also related to the process of planning, as savings are not at the same level as a comparable item. The economics of cheaper items boils down to the fact that the service life is equal to the warranty period offered by the manufacturer .

Obsolescence

Design life is associated with the concept of coded aging of the product. However, in the world of fast-growing technology, this concept changes its meaning. Digital cameras are a good example. From year to year, new models and their functionalities are created. The camera, which is in a great technical condition and will serve the consumer for many years, becomes an old model in the rush of technological innovations. It is the subject of the road, so it will maintain good technical condition for a long time, making beautiful pictures. The speed imposed by today's world is prompting manufacturers of digital cameras to manufacture new cameras that will match or become better than the latest product of a competitive company .

Examples of Design life

• Automobiles: Automobiles are designed with a lifespan of around 8-10 years, depending on the make and model. This is based on the wear and tear that the vehicle will endure over a period of time. Regular maintenance and care of the car can extend its lifespan, while neglecting to take care of it can shorten its life.
• Aircraft: The design life of an aircraft is typically around 20-30 years, depending on the model and type. This is based on the wear and tear of the aircraft and the technology that is used in it. Regular maintenance and care of the aircraft can extend its life.
• Furniture: Furniture is designed with a lifespan of around 5-10 years, depending on the quality and materials used in the design. High-end furniture can last much longer with proper care and regular maintenance.
• Electronics: Electronics are designed with a lifespan of around 2-5 years, depending on the quality and usage of the product. High-end electronics can last longer with proper care and regular maintenance.

Advantages of Design life

Design life is an important factor to consider when creating a product. It is a measure of the expected lifespan of a product and helps inform the decisions made throughout the design process. There are several advantages to taking design life into consideration when creating a product:

• Increased customer satisfaction: Design life is an important factor in determining customer satisfaction with a product. A product with a longer design life will provide more value and satisfaction to customers, which can lead to increased customer loyalty, satisfaction, and repeat purchases.
• Increased product durability: A product with a longer design life is more likely to last longer and be more durable. This can help reduce the need for product replacements and repairs, resulting in cost savings and a better customer experience.
• Improved product safety: A product with a longer design life is more likely to be better designed and manufactured, resulting in improved safety for users. This can help reduce the risk of injury and liability associated with a product.
• Reduced environmental impact: Designing products with a longer design life can help reduce the environmental impact of production and consumption since fewer products need to be produced and disposed of over time.

Limitations of Design life

The design life of an object can be affected by many factors. These limitations can include:

• Poor quality materials: If the materials used in the creation of an object are of inferior quality, then the design life of the object is likely to be shorter than expected.
• Poor design: Poor design of a product can lead to a shorter design life as it may not be able to withstand the expected stresses and loads of regular use.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, or other environmental factors can reduce the design life of a product.
• Poor maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential for extending the design life of any product. Without proper maintenance, the design life of a product can be significantly reduced.
• Manufacturing defects: Manufacturing defects can also reduce the design life of an object as it may not be able to withstand the stresses and loads of regular use.

Other approaches related to Design life

Design life is an important concept in product design and there are several other approaches related to it. These include:

• Prolonging Product Life: Prolonging product life is the practice of extending a product’s expected life cycle. This can be done by using higher-quality materials, better construction techniques, and more reliable components. Additionally, product maintenance and repairs should be easy and straightforward.
• Design for Disassembly: Design for disassembly is the practice of designing a product that can easily be taken apart and reused or recycled. This helps to reduce waste and increase the product’s longevity.
• Design for Repairability: Design for repairability is the practice of designing a product so that any components that need to be replaced are easily accessible and can be done relatively quickly. This helps to reduce the cost of repairs and extend the product’s life cycle.
• Design for Durability: Design for durability is the practice of designing a product so that it can withstand long-term use. This helps to reduce the need for repairs and maintenance and helps to extend the product’s life cycle.

In summary, there are several approaches related to design life that product designers can consider to extend the life cycle of their product. These include prolonging product life, design for disassembly, design for repairability, and design for durability.

Footnotes

Design life — recommended articles

Life cycle of technology — Factor of production — Reliability — Technological factors — Recovered material — Prestige products — Quality parameters — Quality — Secondary packaging

References

• Bulow. J, (1986), An Economic Theory of Planned Obsolescence,The Quarterly Journal of Economics. Oxford University Press, p. 729–749
• Cao. H, Folan. P (2007), Product Life Cycle: the evolution of a paradigm and literature review from 1950-2009., Department of Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
• Papanek .V, (2005), Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change, Chicago Review Press; 2nd Revised ed. edition p.69
• Road. K, Kilbride. K (2015) Design life of buildings A scoping study , Scottish Building Standards Agency
• Savickas. M, Rossier. J, Dauwalder. J, Duarte. M, Guichard. J, Soresi. S, Van Esbroeck. R, Van Vianen. A, (2009),Life designing: A paradigm for career construction in the 21st century, Journal of Vocational Behavior, Vol. 75, p. 239-250.
• Savickas. M, (2015), Life-Design Counseling Manual, ISBN (13: 978-0-578-16546-2)

Author: Klaudia Rodak