A More-than-Human Right-to-Repair

Stead, Michael and Coulton, Paul (2022) A More-than-Human Right-to-Repair. In: DRS2022 Bilbao: Design Research Society Conference 2022 :. Design Research Society, ESP. ISBN 9781912294572

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Abstract

Whilst the recent introduction of the Right-to-Repair to European citizens is undoubtedly a step forward in tackling planned obsolescence, and the resultant deluge of electronic product waste – the efficacy of this new legislation is reliant on consumers availing themselves of this right. Given that repairing and maintaining devices will often require specialist knowledge and skills, it is difficult to assess how effective this right may prove to be in practice. To address this concern, we draw from the expanding infusion of datafication and Artificial Intelligence into everyday products and services via the Internet of Things to consider alternative futures whereby the Right-to-Repair is granted to the device itself. Building upon More-than-Human-Centred Design approaches, we explore the potential embodiment for such a perspective and present two Speculative Designs that concretise this consideration: the Toaster for Life and The Three Rights of AI Things.