OF THE 4.5 billion smart-phones now in use, nearly all are difficult to repair-even their batteries are often glued in place. The Fairphone 4, created by a Dutch electronics brand known for responsibly sourcing materials such as conflict-free tungsten and Fairtrade gold, is different: The back pops off without tools, and the parts inside, from the display and battery to the cameras and microphone, can be removed with a screwdriver. “The device is designed so users can take it apart easily,” says Oscar Karlsson, cofounder and design director at Above, the Swedish innovation agency that led the design for Fair-phone. Since Fair-phone’s parts are under warranty, Karlsson’s team identified components that would be compatible with future software upgrades. Above also elected for a Scandinavian aesthetic that will prevent the phone…
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Fast Company (Digital) - 1 Issue, October 2022