What is built-in obsolescence?

Built-in obsolescence refers to the practice of designing products with a limited useful life or intentionally setting a time period for which the product is expected to function. This ensures that consumers will need to replace or upgrade their product after a specific duration, thereby influencing repeat purchases and ensuring consistent market demand. Option B captures this concept accurately, as it highlights that the product is intentionally designed to last for a certain period of time, after which it may not function as effectively, or may not meet current consumer needs.

This approach can be observed in various industries, particularly in electronics and appliances, where a product's lifespan is purposefully shortened through design choices or manufacturing processes. Developers may use this strategy to stimulate innovation and to encourage consumers to stay up-to-date with the latest products, thus driving the economy and maintaining sales growth.