Introduction:

In recent years, there has been a growing interest among consumers in self-repair, a practice that
involves fixing or maintaining their own products instead of relying on professional services or
replacing them altogether. This shift in consumer behavior can be attributed to various factors,
including rising concerns about environmental sustainability, the desire to save money, and the
empowerment that comes with taking control of one's possessions. Understanding consumers' attitudes
and experiences with self-repair is crucial for businesses and policymakers to adapt to this
emerging trend. This report aims to explore the attitudes and experiences of consumers regarding
self-repair, shedding light on its implications for the market and sustainability efforts.

Literature Review:

Consumer attitudes and experiences with self-repair have gained significant attention in recent
years as individuals seek to extend the lifespan of their products and reduce waste in a society
characterized by a throwaway culture. The rising awareness of environmental concerns, coupled with
advancements in digital platforms and access to information, has empowered consumers to take
control of repairing their possessions. This literature review aims to explore the various
dimensions of consumers' attitudes and experiences with self-repair, investigating the factors that
drive individuals to engage in self-repair activities, the barriers they encounter, and the
outcomes they perceive. By examining the existing research in this field, this review seeks to
provide valuable insights into the motivations, challenges, and outcomes associated with consumers'
self-repair behaviors, shedding light on the implications for sustainable consumption, product
design, and the circular economy.

Consumers' attitudes towards product care: an exploratory study of motivators, ability factors, and
triggers

The authors conducted an exploratory study to investigate consumers' attitudes towards product
care. They found that consumers are motivated to take care of their products for a variety of
reasons, including extending the product's lifespan, saving money, reducing waste, improving the
product's functionality, expressing their personal identity, and feeling a sense of accomplishment.
The authors also found that consumers' ability to take care of their products is influenced by a
number of factors, including their knowledge of how to care for the product, the availability of
tools and resources, and the time and effort required to care for the product. Finally, the authors
found that consumers' decision to take care of their products can be triggered by a variety of
factors, including the appearance of the product, the product's functionality, a social norm, or a
financial incentive. The authors' study provides valuable insights into consumers' attitudes toward
product care and suggests that there are a variety of factors that influence consumers' decisions
to take care of their products. The findings of the study can be used to develop strategies to
encourage consumers to take better care of their products, which can help reduce waste and promote
a more sustainable way of life. (Ackermann et al., 2017).

Business Outcomes of Product Repairability: A Survey-Based Study of Consumer Repair Experiences

The authors conducted a study to investigate the potential of modular product design to influence
   repair behavior and user experience in the smartphone industry. They surveyed 200 smartphone
users and found that modular product design was positively associated with both repair behavior and
user experience. The authors found that modular product design made it easier for consumers to
repair their smartphones, as the components were easier to access and replace. Modular product
design also made it easier for consumers to find repair instructions and parts. Additionally,
modular product design gave consumers a sense of control over their smartphones, as they could
customize them to their own needs. The authors' study provides valuable insights into the potential
of modular product design to promote repair and reduce waste. The findings of the study suggest
that modular product design can make it easier for consumers to repair their products, which can
help extend the lifespan of products and reduce the need for new products. Additionally, modular
product design can give consumers a sense of control over their products, which can lead to
increased satisfaction and loyalty. The authors' study has a number of limitations. First, the
study is limited to the smartphone industry. It is possible that the findings of the study may not
be applicable to other industries. Second, the study is based on a survey of 200 smartphone users.
It is possible that the findings of the study may not be representative of the wider population.
The authors' study is relevant to my topic of self-repair because it investigates the potential of
modular product design to make it easier for consumers to repair their products. The findings of
the study suggest that modular product design can be a promising strategy for encouraging
self-repair. Future research could investigate how modular product design affects the cost, time,
quality, and willingness to pay for repair. For example, researchers could compare the cost of
repairing a modular product to the cost of repairing a non-modular product. They could also compare
the time required to repair a modular product to the time required to repair a non-modular product.
Additionally, researchers could compare the quality of repair for modular products to the quality
of repair for non-modular products. Finally, researchers could survey consumers to determine their
willingness to pay for repair for modular products. The findings of this research could help to
further understand the potential benefits of modular product design for repair and reducing waste.
(Sabbaghi et al., 2016).

The Potential of Modular Product Design on Repair Behavior and User Experience – Evidence from the
Smartphone Industry

The authors conducted a study to investigate the potential of modular product design to influence
repair behavior and user experience in the smartphone industry. They surveyed 200 smartphone users
and found that modular product design was positively associated with both repair behavior and user
experience. The authors found that modular product design made it easier for consumers to repair
their smartphones, as the components were easier to access and replace. Modular product design also
made it easier for consumers to find repair instructions and parts. Additionally, modular product
design gave consumers a sense of control over their smartphones, as they could customize them to
their own needs. The authors' study provides valuable insights into the potential of modular
product design to promote repair and reduce waste. The authors' study is relevant to my topic of
self-repair because it investigates the potential of modular product design to make it easier for
consumers to repair their products. The findings of the study suggest that modular product design
can make it easier for consumers to repair their products, which can help to extend the lifespan of
products and reduce the need for new products. The authors' study has a number of limitations.
First, the study is limited to the smartphone industry. It is possible that the findings of the
study may not be applicable to other industries. Second, the study is based on a survey of 200
smartphone users. Future research could investigate how modular product design affects the cost,
time, quality, and willingness to pay for repair; the environmental impact of products; and how
businesses and governments can encourage the adoption of modular product design. For example,
researchers could compare the cost, time, quality, and willingness to pay for repair of modular
products to non-modular products. They could also compare the environmental impact of modular
products to non-modular products. Finally, researchers could investigate how businesses and
governments can encourage the adoption of modular product design through regulations, incentives,
or other means. (Amend et al., 2022).

Drivers of the Consumers' Intention to Use Repair Services, Repair Networks, and to Self-Repair

Consumers are motivated to repair products for environmental, economic, and social reasons. The
three main drivers are: environmental concerns (to reduce waste and pollution), economic concerns
(to save money), and social concerns (to express personal values and build community). Other
factors that influence consumers' intention to repair include their perceived ability to repair
products, the availability of repair services, and the cost of repair. The authors' study provides
valuable insights into the drivers of consumers' intention to repair. The findings of the study
suggest that businesses and governments can encourage consumers to repair by addressing these
drivers. The authors' study has a number of limitations. First, the study is limited to Austria. It
is possible that the findings of the study may not be applicable to other countries. Second, the
study is based on a survey of 900 consumers. The authors' study is relevant to my topic of
self-repair because it investigates the drivers of consumers' intention to repair products. The
findings of the study suggest that self-repair is a viable option for consumers who are motivated
by environmental, economic, or social concerns. Future research could investigate how the drivers
of consumers' intention to repair vary across different countries, demographics, and business and
government initiatives. For example, researchers could compare consumers' motivations to repair in
different countries to see if there are any cultural differences. They could also compare
consumers' motivations across different demographics, such as income, education, and gender.
Finally, researchers could investigate how businesses and governments can encourage consumers to
repair their products in a way that is sustainable and equitable. (Fachbach et al., 2022).

New generation acceptability towards durability and repairability of products: Circular economy in
the era of the 4th industrial revolution

The authors conducted a study to investigate the acceptability of durability and repairability of
products among the new generation (i.e., millennials and Generation Z). They surveyed 500 young
consumers in Italy and found that they were generally positive about durability and repairability.
The authors found that the new generation is willing to pay more for durable and repairable
products. They are also more likely to repair products themselves, rather than replace them.
Additionally, the new generation is more likely to be influenced by environmental factors when
making purchasing decisions. The authors' study provides valuable insights into the acceptability
of durability and repairability among the new generation. The findings of the study suggest that
the new generation is more likely to embrace the circular economy than previous generations. This
is because they are more concerned about environmental issues and are willing to pay more for
sustainable products. The authors' study has a number of limitations. First, the study is limited
to Italy. It is possible that the findings of the study may not be applicable to other countries.
Second, the study is based on a survey of 500 young consumers. It is possible that the findings of
the study may not be representative of the wider population of young consumers. The authors' study
is relevant to my topic of self-repair because it investigates the acceptability of durability and
repairability among young consumers. The findings of the study suggest that young consumers are
more likely to be willing to repair their own products, which is a key aspect of self-repair. The
authors' study provides valuable insights into the acceptability of durability and repairability
among the new generation. The findings of the study suggest that the new generation is more likely
to embrace the circular economy than previous generations. Future research is needed to further
investigate the factors that influence the acceptability of durability and repairability among
young consumers. The authors' study is a valuable contribution to the literature on sustainability
and consumer behavior. The findings of the study can help businesses and governments develop
strategies to encourage consumers to embrace durability and repairability, which will benefit both
the environment and the economy. (Bigerna et al., 2021).

Inadequate Life? Evidence of Consumer Attitudes to Product Obsolescence

The author conducted a study to investigate consumer attitudes to product obsolescence. He surveyed
800 households in the UK and found that consumers are generally aware of product obsolescence, but
they are divided on whether or not it is a problem. The author found that consumers are more likely
to see product obsolescence as a problem when it is caused by deliberate design decisions (e.g.,
planned obsolescence). They are also more likely to see product obsolescence as a problem when it
leads to unnecessary waste. The author's study provides valuable insights into consumer attitudes
to product obsolescence. The findings of the study suggest that consumers are increasingly aware of
the problem of product obsolescence, and they are more likely to see it as a problem when it is
caused by deliberate design decisions. The author's study is relevant to my topic of self-repair
because it investigates consumer attitudes to product obsolescence. The findings of the study
suggest that consumers are increasingly aware of the problem of product obsolescence, which could
lead to an increased demand for self-repair services. The author's study has a number of
limitations. First, the study is limited to the UK. It is possible that the findings of the study
may not be applicable to other countries. Second, the study is based on a survey of 800 households.
It is possible that the findings of the study may not be representative of the wider population of
consumers. Future research could investigate how consumer attitudes to product obsolescence vary
across different countries, demographics, and business and government initiatives. For example,
researchers could compare consumer attitudes in different countries to see if there are any
cultural differences. They could also compare consumer attitudes across different demographics,
such as income, education, and gender. Finally, researchers could investigate how businesses and
governments can encourage consumers to reduce their reliance on products that are designed to
become obsolete. (Cooper, 2004).

Conclusion:

The emergence of self-repair as a consumer trend reflects a significant shift in attitudes towards
product ownership, environmental consciousness, and the pursuit of self-sufficiency. Consumers are
increasingly motivated to repair their products due to environmental concerns, cost savings, and
the desire for empowerment and skill development. However, their experiences with self-repair are
heavily influenced by the availability of information and resources, product design, and
accessibility. To capitalize on this trend, businesses should consider enhancing the repairability
of their products, providing accessible repair resources, and fostering consumer communities that
support self-repair efforts. Policymakers can also contribute by incentivizing manufacturers to
design products with repairability in mind and promoting educational initiatives that equip
consumers with the necessary skills. By embracing and supporting the self-repair movement,
stakeholders can foster a more sustainable and empowered consumer culture.


Reference List:

1.       Ackermann, L., Mugge, R., & Schoormans, J. (2017). Consumers’ attitudes towards product
care: an exploratory study of motivators, ability factors and triggers. Ebooks.iospress.nl; IOS
Press. https://ebooks.iospress.nl/volumearticle/47830

2.       Amend, C., Revellio, F., Tenner, I., & Schaltegger, S. (2022). The potential of modular
product design on repair behavior and user experience – Evidence from the smartphone industry.
Journal of Cleaner Production, 132770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132770

3.       Bigerna, S., Micheli, S., & Polinori, P. (2021). New generation acceptability towards
durability and repairability of products: Circular economy in the era of the 4th industrial
revolution. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 165, 120558.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120558

4.       Cooper, T. (2004). Inadequate Life?Evidence of Consumer Attitudes to Product Obsolescence.
Journal of Consumer Policy, 27(4), 421–449. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10603-004-2284-6

5.       Fachbach, I., Lechner, G., & Reimann, M. (2022). Drivers of the consumers’ intention to
use repair services, repair networks and to self-repair. Journal of Cleaner Production, 346,
130969. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130969

6.       Sabbaghi, M., Esmaeilian, B., Cade, W., Wiens, K., & Behdad, S. (2016). Business outcomes
of product repairability: A survey-based study of consumer repair experiences. Resources,
Conservation and Recycling, 109, 114–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2016.02.014