Work

The potential of modular product design on repair behavior and user experience – Evidence from the smartphone industry

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Innovation through modular product design is a promising strategy for product lifetime extension and material recyclability. Yet, sustainability benefits of the design do not automatically come into effect, but require additional process innovation through service activities that have to be attractive and made use of by users. This study investigates to what extent sustainability-focused modular product design in the smartphone sector promotes (1) self-repair versus use of repair service and (2) a positive user experience with repair instructions and services. It further analyzes how circular economy attitudes and perceived self-repairability moderate these effects. The quantitative analysis finds that, strengthened by higher perceived self-repairability, users of modular smartphones are more likely to use repair instructions. Also, modular smartphone design increases positive experience with repair instructions. Consequently, successful implementation and management of complementary product and service innovation are key to promoting product lifetime extension in the smartphone industry.

Source: Journal of Cleaner Production

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132770

Authors: Clara Amend, Ferdinand Revellio, Isabell Tenner, Stefan Schaltegger

Institutions: Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Johannes Kepler University of Linz

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,850