Max Mittelstädt
rep:ar is an application that uses augmented reality and a community network to help consumers repair everyday objects themselves.
Repair is becoming increasingly important in a consumer and throwaway society. It extends the lifespan of products, avoids waste and resources and contributes to a sustainable world. However, obstacles such as planned obsolescence, lack of access to spare parts and a lack of repair skills or the fear of doing something wrong stops people from actively repairing. Yet repair is more than just a practical activity. It offers a personal and enriching experience and knowledge that goes beyond the function of the item. Repair initiatives (such as repair cafés) already support repair by helping people to help themselves and create social spaces in which personally valuable items can be repaired. The EU ‘Right to Repair’ Directive aims to break down barriers and promote sustainable change, for example by providing repair information and access to spare parts and tools. Nevertheless, approaches are still needed to make repairs more accessible and attractive.
rep:ar is a service application that helps consumers with repairs. It offers users the opportunity to understand and repair their everyday objects and extend their lifespan. With the help of augmented reality (AR) and the community network, a space is created in which sustainability and independent repair is promoted.
With augmented reality, the repair process is visualised and illustrated with step-by-step instructions on the defective item, which contributes to better orientation, planning and safety. Inexperienced users in particular should benefit from this function.
The community network creates a digital space in which knowledge, experience and questions can be shared. As with the ‘help for self-help’ approach familiar from repair cafés, users can support each other and learn from each other. In addition to the digital space, rep:ar also creates physical repair centres where spare parts and tools are made available.
rep:ar is a business model for sustainable companies and manufacturers that serves as a practical scenario for how the right to repair can be realised in the future. Companies such as SHIFT, which already produce repair-friendly products, could be given the opportunity to expand their community network through rep:ar.