obsolescence.party is an exploratory project experimenting with the repurposing of obsoleted technological devices, focusing initially on mobile phones.
From our experience participating in repair cafes and recycling centres old mobile devices are some of the most challenging technologies to repurpose or recycle. At the same time they are the most ubiquitous with the majority of people having multiple devices at their disposal.
There are a number of reasons why mobile phones become quickly obsolete and are difficult to repurpose. Some of the main reasons are:
Difficulty to disassemble- While theoretically one could reuse its parts, generally mobile phones are difficult and time consuming to disassemble. Replacement parts are limited and often costly.
Closed system technology- The proprietary system of mobile phones has limited our knowledge of how they work, and our ability to modify and repair them. There are limited avenues for customization or modification, as the manufacturer retains firm control over updates and alterations.
Software Bloat- As applications demand more and phones receive software updates, older phones slow down and become less responsive. A substantial amount of processing occurs on the mobile side, exerting a considerable toll on phone performance to the point where their functionality is severely compromised.
Complexity and Software Rot - The software ecosystem of mobile phone technology is complex and constantly changing. Software must be constantly updated to keep pace with new operating systems, and quickly becomes unmaintained.
Security threats- Manufacturers typically provide support and updates for their phones for a limited period. Without updates older phones become vulnerable to security threats making them unusable.
Perceived obsolescence- The consumerist drive to purchase the latest device often leads to the abandonment of older models.
We seek to unravel the origins of obsolescence, its multifaceted state of being, and its intricate entanglement with time, nature, sustainability, and the prevailing narrative of growth and technological progress that sustains it. By interrogating these dimensions, we hope to challenge established assumptions and spark dialogues surrounding obsolescence.