Electronic Modularity
Trent WestwoodTo design for “electronic modularity” is to prolong the life of an electronic product and reduce the waste created. The tactic reduces waste from obsolete products such as phones, computers, televisions and other appliances. Once these products are deemed broken or outdated they are tossed into landfill. The primary issue with electronic waste (E-waste) is that the majority of the product is in working condition, the part that is broken often could be updated or repaired. Electronic products are designed in a way that when broken, the consumer cannot repair the product themselves. Therefore, creates a cycle in which it’s easier and more cost effective to purchase a new product.
Technology is being generated and improved everyday faster than the product being manufactured. So to generate a product with only set technology is like producing a product that is expected to become landfill in the near future. By using this tactic it guarantees that as technology advances, so does the product, always keeping up to date with the newest technology.
This tactic would reduce the amount of E-waste being thrown away. In Australia, 140,000 tonnes of E-waste is being generated each year (Greensense, 2009). At this rate the use of this tactic would be beneficial to the environment because less raw material will be sourced from the earth, and less E-waste would be rejected into landfill.
Yanko Design
Equinox brings to life a new way of customising cameras. Until now, different CCD parts were used repeatedly, every time we bought different cameras. With the EQUINOX we have a square Corepart with CCD and a lens mount. This aspect allows you can change parts on your own, transforming your gadget from a small compact to Professional high-end camera
The E-Waste Issue in Australia
e-Waste is any electronic equipment that is no longer useful as originally intended. e-Waste includes computers, mobile phones, televisions, fax machines, etc. This waste may be donated or sold for re-use, recycled, or disposed of, ending up in landfill.
Project ARA
Project ARA is a modular phone concept that takes on the tactic of “Electronic Modularity”. The device has hardware modules that can be replaced to personalise the phone for an individual’s taste and can be customised for the phones performance. This allows the user to create a product that is suited to their personal needs and lifestyle, reducing the amount of E-waste produced from underperforming products. A recent study (Deloitte, 2017) has shown that only 10% of smart phone E-waste is being recycled globally. This project creates an opportunity to reduce the E-waste epidemic by upgrading and repairing the large part of this phone that is usually discarded in working condition.
XO-infinity
XO-infinity is another concept design created by One Education. This tablet is designed to grow and improve as the students do and is intended to develop and progress as the student increases their work load. For example, a student in year 3 will have less technology based learning and documentation than a student that is in year 6. Using this modular system a larger memory module can replace the existing memory to cope with the progression year levels.