Open discussion: How do you think repair culture will change in the next 20 years?

With the increasing focus on sustainability adn right-to-repair legislation gaining traction, how do you all think repair culture will evolve over the next two decades? Will we see a significant shift away from disposable consumerism, with manufacturers designing products that are actually meant to be fixed, and readily providing access to parts and schematics? Or will planned obsolescence and proprietary designs continue to dominate, forcing more people to learn DIY repair skills or rely on independent repair shops?

I'm particularly curious about the role of technology. Will AI-powered diagnostic tools become commonplace, making it easier for average users to troubleshoot and fix devices – like appliances or electronics – themselves? Could 3D printing revolutionize the availability of replacement parts, allowing for on-demand creation of components that are no longer manufactured? It feels like we're at a potential turning point, but the direction it takes is still uncertain.What are your thoughts?

Posted Aug 14, 2025, 12:29 AM UTC

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