Paper 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.

Paper 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.