Brought to you by Hüseyin H. Keke and Christian Meske from Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Every day, we interact with countless digital devices – from smartphones and laptops to smart home systems. But have you ever wondered what happens to these devices when we’re done with them? As our technology consumption increases, so does electronic waste. This growing concern has sparked an important movement in the world of technology design.
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is the field that studies how people use technology and how to design technology that meets people’s needs. Over the years, researchers have developed frameworks for incorporating sustainability into technology design, recognising that environmental concerns shouldn’t be an afterthought but should guide the entire design process from the beginning.
Key Principles for Sustainable Technology Design
The field of sustainable HCI has established several practical principles:
- Connecting Creation with Disposal: Every new product design should consider what happens to the products it replaces. When companies design a new smartphone model, they should think about where last year’s phones will end up.
- Prioritising Renewal and Reuse: Before creating something new, designers should explore whether existing products could be renewed, repurposed, or reused. For instance, could a software update extend the life of current devices instead of requiring new hardware?
Amongst others, research in sustainable technology has evolved into two complementary HCI approaches:
1. Sustainability IN Design
This means building environmental considerations into the product from the start. Think of an electronic device designed with:
- Parts that can be easily replaced when they break
- Standard components that aren’t unique to just one product
- Materials that can be recycled at the end of the device’s life
Real-world example: Fairphone is built like a set of building blocks. If the camera, screen, or battery stops working, you can replace just that part instead of buying an entirely new phone. This means the device lasts longer and creates less waste.
2. Sustainability THROUGH Design
Sustainability through design means creating technology that helps people make greener choices in their daily lives, shows them the environmental impact of their actions, and nudges them toward more planet-friendly habits. Examples include:
- Ways to help people fix their own devices instead of replacing them, like online repair guides that became popular during COVID-19.
- Methods for turning old consumer products into parts for new devices, like using old smartphone screens in new projects.
- Communities that teach people how to turn unused electronics into art projects, learning tools, and useful gadgets.
Real-world example: Repair cafés are community spaces where people can bring broken devices and learn how to fix them, with tools and expert guidance available.
Why This Matters for Everyone
Even if you’re not a designer or tech expert, these ideas directly affect your life and wallet. The devices you buy were either designed with sustainability in mind or they weren’t. Next time you’re shopping for electronics, you can make smarter choices by asking:
- Is this device built to last for many years, or designed to be replaced soon?
- If something breaks, can I repair it easily or must I buy a whole new device?
- What happens to this product when it’s no longer useful? Can it be recycled?
When consumers ask these questions and choose more sustainable products, companies notice. By understanding these basic principles, we can all contribute to reducing electronic waste while saving money on frequent replacements. The goal isn’t just better design—it’s a world where our technology serves us without harming the planet.
