1
Why do some people prefer buying cheaper items even if they do not last long?
Many consumers prioritise low upfront costs because of immediate financial constraints or simply because they enjoy following fast-moving trends. If someone only needs an item for a short holiday, spending a lot on a premium version feels unnecessary. For instance, fast fashion and budget electronics appeal strongly to young people with limited disposable income. However, while this saves money in the short term, replacing flimsy goods repeatedly usually ends up costing far more over time.
2
How has the durability of manufactured goods changed compared to the past?
Generally speaking, everyday products seem far less robust than they used to be, largely due to planned obsolescence and cost-cutting in manufacturing. Decades ago, household appliances were built with heavy metal components and designed to be repaired by local tradespeople. Nowadays, lightweight plastics dominate production, meaning items are often discarded once a single component fails. That said, modern materials like carbon fibre have made certain high-end specialist goods significantly lighter and stronger than older alternatives.
3
In what ways can governments encourage companies to produce longer-lasting products?
Authorities can introduce stricter right-to-repair legislation and impose minimum warranty periods across consumer industries. By requiring manufacturers to provide affordable spare parts and repair manuals for a set number of years, policymakers can deter companies from selling disposable goods. For example, several European nations now mandate reparability scores on electronics packaging. Nevertheless, regulations must be carefully balanced so they do not stifle innovation or place excessive administrative burdens on smaller enterprises.
4
Do you think people value their possessions less in modern consumer societies?
I do believe modern convenience has eroded the emotional attachment people once had to their belongings. Because mass production makes replacements readily accessible and relatively inexpensive, many individuals treat possessions as easily replaceable commodities rather than long-term investments. A cracked mobile phone screen or a broken appliance often prompts an immediate purchase rather than a repair attempt. Even so, people still tend to treasure sentimental heirlooms or unique handcrafted items that carry personal significance.
5
To what extent will environmental concerns influence product design in the future?
I expect sustainability will become the primary driving force behind industrial design as resource scarcity worsens. Manufacturers will likely have to adopt circular economy principles, designing products that can be effortlessly disassembled, upgraded, and recycled at the end of their lifecycle. For instance, modular electronics that allow users to replace individual sensors or batteries are already gaining traction. Even so, shifting entire global supply chains toward genuine sustainability will take decades to fully materialise.
Use the shape, not the sentences: a view, a reason, an example, a limit. Examiners mark memorised answers down.