obsolescen

Obsolescen is a term used to describe the process by which technologies, products, or ideas become obsolete within a given socio-technical system. The term is constructed from the root obsolescence and a suffix implying ongoing state or process. It is used mainly in scholarly and policy discussions about technology transitions and lifecycle management.

Origins and usage: The concept draws on established ideas of obsolescence, planned or perceived, and sociotechnical change. It appears in debates about design, standards, and consumer culture, where rapid innovation or shifting practices generate space for older artifacts to become outdated even if they still function.

Causes: Advances in performance, energy efficiency, or functionality; incompatibility with current standards or platforms; higher maintenance costs; changing regulatory or environmental requirements; cultural preferences; and supply chain or support discontinuation.

Effects: Reduced availability of spare parts and updates; increased waste; changes in skills and infrastructure; potential digital divide; and economic effects on manufacturers and users.

Examples: From analog media such as VHS and floppy disks to legacy software on obsolete operating systems; older mobile networks or devices incompatible with current apps; outdated industrial equipment in need of retrofit. In design, obsolescen can reflect planned obsolescence or strategies aimed at longevity and reuse.

Mitigation: Emphasizing durable design, modular components, repairability, and standard interfaces; encouraging refurbishment and take-back programs; updating regulatory frameworks to promote longevity and reuse.

See also: Obsolescence, lifecycle assessment, sustainability, right to repair.