Ageless Design: A Design Method of Product Longevity for Cross-Generation

Abstract

Product longevity is a method for sustainable production and consumption in the current consumerist culture driven by planned obsolescence. While product aesthetics affect the product lifetime, existing approaches from industrial design perspectives are limited. Timeless design has been mentioned as one of the design strategies for product longevity. However, timeless design has limitations because it is largely focused on a product’s appearance and lacks consideration of varying needs for different age groups. This paper introduces ageless design as a more comprehensive method with an inclusive perspective and usability added to timeless design. Ageless design aims to address the needs of multiple generations as well as to make a product accessible and easy to use regardless of age so that a product can not only be used across generations but also endure long years of use. Subsequently, this paper examines the differing VOCs for multiple generations and builds a framework for ageless design. A representative product of ageless design is analyzed based on the framework, then the elements and the guidelines for ageless design are verified.