MODULAR SMARTPHONES AS A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE: THE ROLE OF PRODUCT DESIGN IN THE FACE OF OBSOLESCENCE

The rapid advancement of technology and current consumption patternshave intensified the environmental impacts associated with the obsolescence of electronic devices. In this context, sustainable product design emerges as a strategic tool to extend the lifespan of consumer goods and encourage repairability and reuse practices. This study discusses the role of the designer in the face of these challenges, analyzing the possibilities offered by modular smartphones, inspired by the Phonebloks concept. The research highlights how modularity can favor personalization and reduce the volume of electronic waste, but also points to the economic and cultural barriers that hinder its widespread adoption. The results emphasize the need for greater integration between technological innovation, design responsibility, and consumer engagement, in order to consolidate viable alternatives for sustainable design.