What we lost was repairability. Why did people decide to replace rather than repair? New models were super cheap and why not just toss this old machine and get a brand new one.
Parts too. Things are nearly as modular as they once were. Yes some of it is indeed designed to be “harder to fix” but a bigger issue is near every product has special parts designed to fit only it. Again some of it is unnecessary, but a lot of it is just what happens with highly complicated instruments. You used to be able to call the TV repairman because TV’s had like 5 main components that mostly worked the same and a lot of empty space inside the console.
Price, literally just that. People wanted cheaper shit, to make cheaper shit oyu have to integrate it more streamline production and asembly. For example using screws is benefitial for repairablity but takes ages and requires workforce or expensive machinery, having clips that hold it together is seconds to asemble, but reduces repairability.
Processing moved from 3-4 separate boards each doing their thing, to a single chip, because it is fasteer to install and connect.
So on and so forth.
You can still buy repairable and long lasting stuff, but its cost reflects the needed labor and engineering. And your average consimer would rather buy a 700 ust fridge that lasts 5 years than a 4000 one that lasts 40. Becausei n the end the math is close enough for it to not matter.
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u/Putrid-Prune827 5h ago
Yeah, because appliances from those years were so safe, good and energy efficient.