The responsibility of the product designer for sustainable projects: a case study on obsolescence and the potential of modular smartphones

This article addresses the responsibility of designers in creating sustainable products in the face of increasing environmental degradation. Rapid technological evolution, mass production, and excessive consumption intensify environmental impacts. The study investigates how design can influence consumer behavior and encourage ecological practices throughout the life cycle of products. Although designers do not have total control over projects, sustainable design can promote more conscious consumption and reduce environmental damage. The research presents conceptual and practical examples, such as modular cell phones based on the Phonebloks concept, which propose solutions for repairability, customization, and reduction of electronic waste. However, the study questions the low adoption of this concept and the barriers that hinder its large-scale implementation, highlighting the importance of a greater commitment between designers and consumers to balance technological innovation and environmental responsibility.