Right-to-repair is often presented as a challenge for technology companies: After years of R&D, making components replaceable and providing access to repair information can feel like handing over your intellectual property, product security and commercial advantage. This talk will challenge that assumption, exploring how repairability and modularity can instead be incorporated into the design process from the outset, while protecting the aspects your product that ought to stay yours. 

Drawing on my experience designing and manufacturing modular, repairable computer hardware through Douglas Hardware, I’ll look at the engineering principles behind products that are designed to be maintained, upgraded and repaired rather than discarded. I’ll explore how modular architectures can extend product lifespans, reduce waste, improve customer relationships and create new commercial opportunities, while using a combination of mechanical, electrical and software design to keep your proprietary technology protected. Ultimately, the talk will argue that repairable and modular technology isn't simply a response to regulation or consumer pressure, instead it represents a fundamentally better direction for product design and an opportunity for companies willing to rethink how they build technology.