Fig. 8 shows a smartphone and an inkjet printer. The item shown is commonly used in design and technology projects. It has been designed and manufactured to...

(a) Planned obsolescence is when a product is deliberately designed to have a limited useful life so that the consumer will need to purchase a replacement after a certain period [1]. This can be achieved through physical failure (components wearing out), technological obsolescence (new features making older versions seem outdated), or style obsolescence (changes in fashion making the product appear old-fashioned).

(b) One example of planned obsolescence applied to the smartphone is that software updates may no longer be compatible with older hardware [1]. As the operating system is updated, it demands more processing power and memory, causing older phones to slow down or lose access to applications, encouraging the user to buy a newer model. Other valid examples include: the battery being sealed and not replaceable by the user, and charging connector types being changed so existing accessories become incompatible.

(c) Design for disassembly means designing a product so that it can be easily taken apart at end of life, allowing the individual components and materials to be separated for recycling, reuse, or safe disposal [1]. This involves using mechanical fasteners (such as screws and clips) rather than adhesives, clearly labelling material types, and minimising the number of different materials used.

(d) One benefit of designing the printer for disassembly at end of life is that valuable materials such as metals, plastics, and circuit boards can be recovered and recycled [1], reducing the demand for virgin raw materials and lowering the environmental impact of producing new products. Other valid benefits include: hazardous components such as ink cartridges and batteries can be disposed of safely and separately; and parts in good condition can be reused in refurbished products, reducing waste.