Which concept refers to a product becoming outdated on purpose to sustain markets or enable future enhancements?

• A. Sustainable design
• B. Planned obsolescence
• C. Product life cycle
• D. Incremental improvement

Answer: (B)

Planned obsolescence is the idea of designing products to become outdated or non-functional on purpose to sustain markets or enable future enhancements. This approach keeps demand high by nudging customers to replace items sooner or upgrade as new features or compatibility shifts emerge. It’s a sales strategy that drives ongoing purchases, though it’s often criticized for encouraging waste. In contrast, sustainable design seeks to extend a product’s life, using durable materials and modular components to reduce environmental impact. The product life cycle concept describes the stages a product goes through in the market, not a deliberate tactic to shorten a product’s life. Incremental improvement involves small, steady enhancements rather than intents to render existing versions obsolete.