Use

Maintenance during Use

• The use stage of a product lifecycle refers to the period when the product is in active operation, performing its intended function.
• Maintenance during use is essential for retaining product functionality and optimum performance.
• Regular servicing, cleaning, and part replacements can extend the product’s useful life, maintaining its value and delaying disposal.
• Products designed for ease of maintenance are more likely to be properly maintained, reducing the likelihood of premature replacement.
• Providing clear user instructions and guidelines for maintenance can help prolong product life and ensure correct use.

Energy Consumption during Use

• Energy consumption primarily occurs during the use phase, significantly affecting a product’s total environmental impact.
• Designers can reduce energy consumption by incorporating energy-efficient technologies or consider stand-by power reduction in their designs.
• Feedback mechanisms, such as energy monitors, can be included in designs to make users aware of their consumption patterns, leading to behaviour change and energy conservation.

Maintenance and the Environment

• Regular maintenance can prevent significant damage to a product, reducing the need for energy-intensive repairs or replacements.
• The incorporation of durability and repairability in design can reduce resource extraction and waste generation.
• Using recyclable or biodegradable materials for replaceable parts lessens the product’s environmental impact.

Implications for Cleaner Environment

• A product’s environmental impact during use depends on its operational efficiency and the duration of its use-phase.
• Efficient use and reduced operating times can lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced energy usage, and lower environmental pollutants.
• Design strategies like modularity can facilitate upgrading or replacing parts, extending product life and contributing to a cleaner environment.

Designers must always consider the Use stage when aiming to design for maintenance and a cleaner environment by considering factors like usability, energy consumption, maintenance and repair, and their environmental implications.