Work

Human-AI collaboration for repair: designing interactive tools for sustainable consumer electronics

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT: Barriers such as limited repair literacy and design-for-disposability continue to reinforce replacement cultures. This paper introduces AIFixer, an AI-powered interactive tool that guides consumers through electronic repair, promoting sustainable product lifecycles. Using a mixed-methods, user-centred approach, the study evaluates AIFixer’s usability and behavioural impact across real-world repair tasks. Findings show that conversational AI lowers barriers, builds confidence, and generates data for circular design, highlighting opportunities for multimodal and community-integrated development.

Source: Proceedings of the Design Society

DOI: 10.1017/pds.2026.10515

Author: Ravi K Sikhwal

Institution: Royal College of Art

Language: English

Topic: Innovative Human-Technology Interaction

Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: