Some products fail by accident. Others are designed to.
Designed to Die is part of ASI9's Planned Obsolescence Collection. A series that questions a system where durability, repairability, and long-term value are often sacrificed in favor of repeat purchases and endless consumption. The artwork contrasts two competing visions of the future. On one side is a world built around replacement: products that become outdated, difficult to repair, intentionally limited, or discarded long before their useful life is over. On the other side is a philosophy centered on sustainability, repair, reuse, and stewardship of resources.
While the imagery focuses on consumer electronics, the message extends far beyond smartphones. It's in vehicles that become difficult to repair. Appliances designed with shorter lifespans. Disposable products that replace durable alternatives. Food systems that prioritize shelf life and profit over quality and nutrition. Culture that encourages replacing rather than maintaining.
The result is a cycle of waste, resource depletion, environmental damage, and dependence on constant consumption.
Designed to Die asks a simple question: What if products were designed to last instead of designed to sell again?
