Short abstract:

Repair, Social Design, Street tailors, Product longevity, sustainability, decolonising know-how, accessibility

Long abstract:

Street tailors located ubiquitously in the nooks and crannies of the city pavements, in Ahmedabad, India, form an invisible workforce that keeps the repair, repurpose, reuse and recycle narratives of sustainable plausible and real in this part of the world. These agents of longevity, repurpose and customization; mostly work in isolation – forming a 'community of the practice of repair.' They challenge the factory-made goods – by prolonging its life, they challenge the factory worker tailor by surviving on the edge literally. The street-tailor as a repairperson generates a new value to old ‘things’ through repair, recycle, repurpose and reuse. This case study approach is used for imagining a form of inclusive design which is based on the acceptance of multiple worlds of creating. This unique and ubiquitous livelihood adds to the sustainability paradigm while calling on design practice to be open-ended.

Short abstract:

The right-to-repair movement represents a broader cultural shift towards conscious consumption, collaborative design practices, and a redesign of the relationship between individuals, products, and the environment.

Long abstract:

In today's consumer-driven society, the concept of the right-to-repair has emerged as a catalyst for transformative change, intersecting with the narrative of social design principles, co-design methodologies, and sustainable design practices. This research examines the profound impact of embracing the right-to-repair movement as a way to rebuild the future of product consumption and production.

Central to the understanding of the right-to-repair is the principle of co-design, which emphasizes collaboration between manufacturers, designers, and end users to create durable, repairable, and socially responsible products. Through co-design processes, stakeholders collectively design and co-create products that prioritize longevity, repairability, and user empowerment.

Adopting this philosophy also encourages a shift in the design narrative from a linear production and consumption model to a circular economy framework. In this paradigm, products are designed with end-of-life in mind, with repair and reuse being an integral part of the design process.

Consequently, to encourage more people to participate in repair activities, designers can use persuasive design strategies that highlight the environmental, economic, and social benefits of repair. This includes emphasizing the satisfaction of fixing something yourself, the cost savings of repairing rather than replacing it, and the positive impact on reducing waste and conserving resources. By promoting repair culture and celebrating the creativity of repair enthusiasts, designers can inspire broad participation in repair activities and contribute to building a more sustainable future.

Short abstract:

This project explores how Bicycle Kitchens facilitates sustainable mobility practices. We explored how participants in BK’s can be activated to adapt current structures to practices around repair that focus on less use and reuse of materials and propagate BK’s as a tool for mobility transformation.

Long abstract:

Cycling in the Netherlands has a waste problem. Orphaned bikes are an example of how a high-cycling society doesn’t guarantee a sustainable transportation system. Twenty percent of Dutch public bike parking garages are filled with orphaned bikes (MVW, 2008). As repair and maintenance work is not always feasible for all users, complementing product use with service, also called Product Service Systems (PSS), can play an important role in making repair and maintenance feasible. The Bike Kitchen (TBK) Amsterdam, initiated in September 2023, is an example of a PSS and aims to professionally support users in repairing and maintaining their own bikes to extend the life of the bicycle.

This project explores the way bicycle kitchens could facilitate sustainable mobility practices in a community. By being hosts, each for one day a week, the first authors used design ethnography – a form of action research – to explore how participants in TBK can be activated to (1) adapt and broaden current structures and procedures to practices around repair that focus on reduced use and reuse of materials, and (2) propagate TBK as a tool for mobility transformation (Bradley, 2018).

We tested Proto-Practices (Kuijer 2017) of recruiting and distributing explicit roles, i.e. passer-by, participant, host and mechanic, and inviting participants for structural consultations to arrive at actual action towards an improved Bike Kitchen design. In this talk, we illustrate the importance of reciprocal collaboration from different roles in implementing new social practices in the daily lives of TBK participants.

Short abstract:

Deep ecology clashing with "take-make-dispose" fuels resource depletion & disconnect. Can repair bridge the gap? This study analyzes how self-repairers & non-repairers view nature, resources & sustainability, paving the way for potential shifts in consumption habits.

Long abstract:

Our current "take-make-dispose" model clashes with deep ecology's principles, creating resource depletion, pollution, and a disconnect from the intrinsic value of the natural world. The circular economy proposes a shift towards closed-loop systems yet the general public has different views on the topic. To understand how repair influences views on nature, resources, and sustainability, this study employs semi-structured interviews with two groups: self-repairers and non-repairers. Through purposive sampling 15 participants from diverse backgrounds are recruited. Participants discuss their repair experiences, perceptions of nature and resources, understanding of sustainability, and awareness of the right to repair movement. Thematic analysis is used to identify recurring themes across and within groups, comparing self-repairers' and non-repairers' perspectives on nature, resources, biocentrism, alienation, and sustainability. The findings provide insights into individual behavior, right to repair, and ecological concerns, potentially prompting more responsible consumption practices.

Short abstract:

The right-to-repair movement seeks to improve access to repair services and secure consumers' legal rights to repair their devices, promoting sustainability and product longevity. This study highlights the importance of mentorship in reducing user alienation and enhancing repair.

Long abstract:

The right-to-repair movement is a multifaceted advocacy effort involving consumers, repair technicians, and environmental advocates, all aiming to enhance access to repair services and foster greater autonomy over device maintenance. This movement strives to secure legal rights for consumers to obtain components and repair their purchased devices, promoting sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and product longevity. The increasing complexity of modern products often alienates users, making repair and maintenance challenging. This study explores the interplay between mentorship and the right-to-repair, highlighting how mentorship can mitigate user alienation by fostering a sense of control and understanding over possessions. Using a case study methodology, this research underscores the importance of mentorship in cultivating these skills by eliminating the alienation towards objects. Additionally, the study considers the role of AI, specifically ChatGPT, as an alternative mentor in the repair ecosystem.