University of Twente Student Theses
From Disposability to Conviviality: Investigating Planned Obsolescence and Conviviality in Smart Phones
Thomas Gomez, Reethu (2024) From Disposability to Conviviality: Investigating Planned Obsolescence and Conviviality in Smart Phones.
|
PDF
1MB |
| Abstract: | This thesis investigates how sustainable modular smartphone companies integrate convivial principles into product design and production to resist planned obsolescence. Planned obsolescence in electronics leads to increased e-waste, unethical mining practices, and reduced user autonomy. By examining Fairphone and Shiftphone through interviews and literature review, the study assesses how these brands incorporate convivial principles. A survey of users further explored perceptions of technological conviviality in smartphones. The findings show that while modular smartphones offer greater autonomy and repairability, challenges such as complex supply chains hinder full alignment with convivial values. It was also found that while planned obsolescence is leading consumerism and detaching people from forming real connections in their lives, the concept of conviviality is a reminder that technology should just be a tool that provides freedom and not something that restricts freedom. The research also emphasizes the importance of evaluating smartphones through a convivial lens for a more sustainable, socially responsible future. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 43 environmental science |
| Programme: | Environmental and Energy Management MSc (69319) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/102884 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
Show download statistics for this publication
Show download statistics for this publicationRepository Staff Only: item control page