Repaircentric

Repaircentric is an adjective used to describe a design, policy, or business approach that prioritizes repairability and repair over replacement. The term is commonly employed in discussions about sustainability, product longevity, and circular economy strategies. A repaircentric stance emphasizes making products easier to diagnose, fix, upgrade, and keep in use for as long as possible.

Common characteristics include modular designs that allow component swaps, standardized fasteners and connectors, and clear, accessible repair information such as manuals and schematics. It also involves ready availability of spare parts, repair services, and take-back or refurbishing programs that extend a product’s useful life.

Usage of the term aligns with the right-to-repair movement and various policy initiatives that encourage manufacturers to support repairability. It can apply to consumer electronics, home appliances, automobiles, and textiles, as well as to business models like repair-as-a-service and refurbishing networks.

Supporters argue that repaircentric practices reduce electronic waste, lower total cost of ownership, and create local skilled labor opportunities. Critics note potential trade-offs with privacy and safety concerns, higher upfront costs, and business or intellectual property constraints that can hinder easy access to parts or information.

Related concepts include the right to repair, circular economy, product lifecycle management, and refurbishment ecosystems.