Broken Part vs Complete Unit is a fundamental design consideration in product development and manufacturing that addresses the relationship between individual components and the complete assembled product. This dichotomy plays a crucial role in determining repair strategies, maintenance approaches, and overall product lifecycle management. In industrial design, the concept encompasses decisions about modularity, repairability, and sustainability, influencing how products are conceived, manufactured, and maintained over time. The approach to broken parts versus complete units has evolved significantly with the advancement of manufacturing technologies and changing consumer expectations, leading to various design philosophies ranging from highly modular designs that facilitate easy component replacement to integrated systems where replacement of the entire unit is recommended. This consideration becomes particularly relevant in sustainable design practices, where the ability to repair or replace individual components can significantly reduce waste and environmental impact. The design strategy of addressing broken parts versus complete units also influences warranty policies, after-sales service structures, and the overall cost of ownership for consumers. In contemporary design practice, this concept has gained renewed attention due to the growing right-to-repair movement and increased focus on circular economy principles, where designers must balance factors such as maintenance accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and product longevity. The A' Design Award competition recognizes innovative solutions in this domain, particularly those that demonstrate excellence in sustainable design and repair-oriented product development. The consideration of broken parts versus complete units also extends to the realm of planned obsolescence, where designers must make ethical decisions about product durability and repair potential, ultimately affecting both consumer satisfaction and environmental sustainability.
Modularity, component replacement, repair strategy, product lifecycle, maintenance design, sustainable manufacturing, circular economy, product durability
CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Broken Part Vs Complete Unit.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=471289 (Accessed on November 16, 2025)"
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