The desire for quality has never been more pertinent, especially in today’s world, which seems to be increasingly disposable. As a person who is fully invested in modern consumerism, I’ve seen firsthand the gradual decline in the quality of things that have been produced. This varies from kitchen appliances to personal tech devices: brands that were known for quality and durability have given in to the pressures of rapid production of below-par products, causing a yearning for the good old days when workmanship and longevity were the order of the day. But amidst this challenge we’re being faced with today, are there still quality brands out there?
The decline in quality has become a widespread experience shared by many. Take, for instance, my experience with a beloved black bra. A decade ago, I purchased a simple T-shirt bra that became an important part of my clothing for years. The uniqueness of this bra was in its resilience, as I would use it all the time. However, when it wore out and I bought the same model from the same brand, the difference in quality was nothing to write home about. Despite appearing to look better, the new bra quickly gave in to wear and tear, which was proof of the brand’s decline.
Consumers are noticing and worried about the drop in quality across all products. Items that once lasted years now begin to decline within months. Products designed to be nearly impossible to repair, combined with the rapid turnover of trends, further highlight this issue.
However, amidst this decline in quality, there is still hope. There are products that have still and brands that have prioritized durability and craftsmanship, resisting the call of mass production and cost-cutting.
The longevity of these products can often be traced back to the authenticity of their design. According to Matthew Bird, a professor of industrial design, a good design is more than aesthetics, which involves solving problems and meeting needs with function. In a world overshadowed by the pressures of the Industrial Revolution, where quantity supersedes quality, consumer-responsive design has been far off.
But this is not just about the design of these products, as the longevity of a product lies in its quality. The shift towards producing below-par materials, faster production timelines, and the exploitation of labor are the key factors that affect product quality. However, there are still companies that still opt for quality by using sustainable materials.
The big question becomes, how do we find these quality products in a market overwhelmed with fake products? The answer lies in education and advocacy. We need to become more discerning when purchasing a product, learning to look beyond the superficial nature and beauty of products to the deeper value of durability and workmanship.
Another factor to pay attention to is looking out for regulation and policy. The push for right-to-repair laws is important in reclaiming longevity and sustainability in our products. By demanding that companies make their goods repairable and by holding them accountable for their environmental and social impacts, all of these inferior productions can be overturned.
While the market may seem dominated by disposable products, there are still quality products that are durable. As we navigate this complex marketplace, we are reminded that quality is not just a measure of a product’s lifespan but a proof of the values of the society that produces it. In advocating for quality, we advocate for a more sustainable and thoughtful world.
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