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An Exploration of the Value of Timeless Design Styles for the Consumer Acceptance of Refurbished Products

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  • Theresa S. Wallner

    (Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Lise Magnier

    (Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Ruth Mugge

    (Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands)

Abstract

The prior use and age make refurbished products a less desirable option because they are perceived to be of lower quality, to have a reduced performance and a less attractive appearance. This research investigates one strategy on how to enhance the appearance of refurbished products and thereby encourage circular consumption via refurbishment. In 21 in-depth interviews, we explore whether embodying refurbished products in a timeless design can serve as a potential strategy to influence consumer acceptance of refurbished products. Specifically, we examined two design styles that were proposed as timeless: the neo-retro design style, which evokes nostalgia and benefits from associations with the past, and the simplistic design style, that is independent of cultural or time-related cues. Our findings provided qualitative support that the neo-retro and the simplistic design styles can improve consumers’ evaluations of refurbished products. Both design styles were considered to be timeless and elicited favorable associations in consumers. While refurbished products, following a neo-retro design style, evoked positive associations with old products, such as feelings of nostalgia and the good quality of the past, simplistic products benefited from associations with durability and associations with high-quality brands.

Suggested Citation

  • Theresa S. Wallner & Lise Magnier & Ruth Mugge, 2020. "An Exploration of the Value of Timeless Design Styles for the Consumer Acceptance of Refurbished Products," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:3:p:1213-:d:317987
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. El-Khawad, Livia & Bartkowiak, Dorota & Kümmerer, Klaus, 2022. "Improving the end-of-life management of solar panels in Germany," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    2. Lea Becker Frahm & Linda Nhu Laursen & Christian Tollestrup, 2022. "Categories and Design Properties of Inherited Long-Lasting Products," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Alessio Franconi & Fabrizio Ceschin & David Peck, 2022. "Structuring Circular Objectives and Design Strategies for the Circular Economy: A Multi-Hierarchical Theoretical Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-26, July.
    4. Odette Lobato-Calleros & Karla Fabila-Rodríguez & Brian Roberts, 2022. "Methodology to Improve the Acceptance and Adoption of Circular and Social Economy: A Longitudinal Case Study of a Biodiesel Cooperative," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-34, September.

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