Long-lived Designs
Durability is often a key operational and financial requirement with maximum durability at reasonable cost being the target. For example, if solar panels are financed on a 25 year basis, it is important to customers that they last 25 years.Fit for Purpose
Durability is often considered with respect to the purpose of an item. For example, things that are intended to be used once such as tissue paper need not be durable.Safety by Design
Durability is often used to improve safety. For example, the durability of a jet engine is a factor in the safety of an aircraft over time.Biodegradable
In many cases, durability can be an environmental problem. For example, fishing equipment that is lost at sea contributes to pollution and often poses a threat to wildlife. As such, things may be designed to decompose quickly into food as a sustainability strategy.Planned Obsolescence
In some cases, firms design things to wear down in order to increase sales. If a razor blade lasts forever, customers won't purchase replacements. Planned obsolescence is highly unpopular with customers. As such, it can backfire as competitors may offer more durable products that customer prefer.| Overview: Design Life | ||
Type | ||
Definition | The life expectancy of buildings, infrastructure, facilities, equipment and products as forecast by designers. | |
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