Shelf Life

Shelf Life

https://www.transformedhearts.com/planned-obsolescence-and-conspicuous-consumption/?v=402f03a963ba

There is a concept in design know as "Planned Obsolescence".  The idea is that products are purposefully designed to become obsolete--so that they need to be constantly replaced or upgraded. 

The time between when an item is offered for sale and when it becomes obsolete is known as its "'shelf life"--a grocery industry term referring to the "life" of perishable goods.

Some products become obsolete as a result of design/concept flaws (Ex. *Jarts), some become obsolete due to changing tastes and social mores (Ex. Snuff, Corsets), some become obsolete due to technological advancements (Ex. Flip phones), and some become obsolete due to built-in or "planned" failure (Ex. *Light bulbs)

Prior to starting the project, you are to research the topic of "planned obsolescence" and answer the following (You should post your answers to Schoology):

1) What do lightbulbs have to do with planned obsolescence?

2) Name another consumer product that has a "shelf life" or expires after a certain period of use, requiring regular replacement.

3) Are there any advantages to planned obsolescence? If so, what are they?

The Project

Your project comes with two parts: 

1) Design concept 

2) Marketing

Part 1

Conceive of a product that will readily become obsolete.  

Part 2

Create a slogan and an ad to market your product.

The ad should contain:  

A. A visual element that supports the concept. 

B. The slogan. 

C. Several marketing points (It's new! It's pure! It's advanced!) 

Ad size: 8" x 10"

Resolution: 300 ppi

Below are a few examples of obsolete (and absurd) products and the ad copy that could be used to market them:

Fur Teacup

Marketing slogan: "You see unusual things and say why?  We see a fur-lined teacup and say why not?"

Marketing points: Synthetic fur analog is indistinguishable from ranch-raised, free range, never-bitter, prime alpha mink.

Sand Spur Shoe Liners

Marketing slogan: "It's like a walk to the beach!"

Marketing points: All natural, hand-sorted sand spurs make for an authentic avant beach experience.

Crystal Hammer

Marketing slogan: "Shattering your expectations of what a hammer can do!"

Marketing points: Hand-crafted using the finest Peruvian crystal from authentic antique molds in famous patterns like "Old Red", "The Thumb-Buster" & "Johnny's-Got-A-Splinter".

*Jarts: "From January, 1978 to December 1986 lawn darts were responsible for an estimated 6,100 hospital emergency-room treated injuries,' the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported."

*Lightbulbs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoebus_cartel