DESIGNING FOR LONGEVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

In a world where tech products are upgraded annually, it’s easy to overlook what happens when they reach the end of their life cycle.

Many modern devices are built in ways that make repairs difficult—sometimes due to intentional design obsolescence and other times as an unintended consequence of other design priorities. Either way, this contributes to the growing problem of e-waste, one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally.

Movements like the Right to Repair and circular design practices are pushing back, advocating for products that are built to last, can be easily repaired, and reduce unnecessary waste. Here’s how we considered these principles while designing Arc Alarm Clock.

WHAT IS RIGHT TO REPAIR?

The Right to Repair movement advocates for consumer access to information, tools, and parts needed to fix their own devices. It calls for product designs that allow easy repair and maintenance, ensuring that users are not forced to throw away perfectly functional products just because a single component fails.

This idea directly opposes trends in modern manufacturing that prioritize glue over screws, sealed components over modular designs, and non-replaceable batteries—all making repairs nearly impossible. With Right to Repair legislation being passed in various regions, it challenges companies to rethink how they design their products.

CIRCULAR DESIGN: REDUCING E-WASTE

The Right to Repair is a key element of circular design principles, which focus on reducing waste by keeping products in use for as long as possible. Unlike the traditional linear model of “take, make, dispose,” circular design prioritizes repair, reuse, and recycling. 

At its core, circular design aims to minimize waste by extending a product’s life cycle. This means designing items that are easy to disassemble, repair, and reassemble. It also means using durable materials that can withstand multiple repair cycles without degrading.

E-waste is one of the fastest-growing types of waste in the world. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor, over 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste were generated in 2019, and only 17.4% of it was recycled. Much of this waste comes from products that are difficult to repair or upgrade, leading to premature disposal.

HOW ARC ALIGNS WITH THESE PRINCIPLES

We believe in designing products that last. Arc Alarm Clock is built with repairability at its core, ensuring it can be easily repaired and maintained for years to come. Here’s how:

• Screws over Glue: we’ve used screws to make it easy to open and close. This allows users to access the internal components without damaging the product, making repairs straightforward and accessible.
• Durable Cast Zinc Housing: Arc’s housing is made from cast zinc, a material known for its durability. This ensures the clock can withstand multiple repair cycles.
• Replaceable Parts: Many modern products fail because they are designed with non-replaceable parts. You can replace Arc’s battery and USB-C cord (among other parts) without discarding the whole product.

WHY REPAIRABLE DESIGN MATTERS

Repairable design isn’t just a trend—it’s a critical part of reducing e-waste and moving toward a more sustainable future. By building products that can be repaired rather than replaced, we reduce the strain on the environment and extend the life of the resources used to create them.

It’s also about giving consumers power. When you buy a product that you can repair, you’re investing in something that grows with you rather than something that’s destined for the landfill. At Nanu, our goal is to create timeless, functional products like the Arc Alarm Clock that embody these values.

Sources:

1. 1. Forti, V., Baldé, C. P., Kuehr, R., & Bel, G. (2020). The Global E-waste Monitor 2020: Quantities, flows, and the circular economy potential. United Nations University, International Telecommunication Union, & International Solid Waste Association.  
2. 2. Vanegas, P., Peeters, J. R., Cattrysse, D., Tecchio, P., Ardente, F., & Mathieux, F. (2018). Towards a circular economy for WEEE: A systematic review of circular economy practices in the electronics sector. Journal of Cleaner Production, 177, 766-779.  
3. 3. European Parliament. (2020). Right to Repair: MEPs push for more durable and easily repairable products.  
4. 4. MacArthur, E. (2013). Towards the circular economy: Economic and business rationale for an accelerated transition. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 12, 23-35.