Opportunity in Obsolescence

With many issues surrounding our high-tech products including: 1) planned obsolescence, 2) a linear “cradle-to-grave” life cycle, 3) the accumulation of electronic waste (e-waste), and 4) consumer culture, there is potential of finding creative solutions to reusing/repurposing our obsolete technology. This potential can be found in this artistic work where a typewriter hacked to perform as a USB printer using the design principles meant to combat the issues listed above. This includes using open-source hardware and software as well as incorporating adaptive design for future updates.

Author: Erik Contreras

Typology: Artworks

Theme: Electronic Waste, Right to Repair, Maker Community, Hacking, Industrial Design, New Media

Erik Contreras is an interdisciplinary designer and engineer with a background in mechanical engineering and rapid prototyping. His work involves prolonging the lifespan of consumer electronics and finding alternative uses for post-consumer products. His design philosophy seeks to promote user repair, modification, and reuse for consumer products. As an advocate for the right to repair, he wishes to develop products and prototypes that “welcomes the end-user, inside and out”.

Erik typically uses a hands-on approach towards his work/research and can be found hacking obsolete tech or 3D printing custom parts in his home machine shop. With technology being part of every aspect of life in the Bay Area, there also a vast accumulation of e-waste in the community. With e-waste being readily available, Erik feels the material is an “unnatural, natural resource” when it comes to finding parts and inspiration for his prototypes.