Voices From the Repair Bench: Exploring the Challenges and Needs of Professional Small Electronics Repairers
Assam, Wepery Fakhredin, Farzaneh Mehmood, Mehmood
Assam, Wepery
Fakhredin, Farzaneh
Mehmood, Mehmood
Publication Date
2025-11-13
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
(c) 2025 The Authors. Full-text reproduced with authors' permission.
Peer-Reviewed
No
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Collections
Additional title
Abstract
Small electronics make up the largest category of global e-waste, and repair is an important circular economy strategy to extend their lifespan. Professional repairers are central to the repair process, and understanding their experiences is essential for developing effective repair strategies. This study analysed iFixit repair guides collected using machine learning and gathered insights from UK-based professional repairers through surveys and interviews. Findings show that repairers face key design challenges such as strong adhesives, battery and screen access, and complex internal architectures, highlighting the need for modular designs and easy access to priority parts. They also show a strong preference for visual repair guides, ongoing training, and access to professional tools and high-quality, standardized parts to ensure effective repairs.
Version
Published version
Citation
Assam W, Fakhredin F and Mehmood I (2025) EcoDesign 2025. Tokyo, Japan. Voices From the Repair Bench: Exploring the Challenges and Needs of Professional Small Electronics Repairers.
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Poster presentation