Design to fail? The reasonably foreseeable failure and misuse

Abstract

This paper examines the critical concept of "reasonably foreseeable failures and misuse" in product design. The psychology of failures and the ethical/legal implications are highlighted. The approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges associated with integrating reasonably foreseeable user failure and misuse into the design process. By taking a proactive approach to failure and misuse, designers can not only increase product safety, but also stimulate innovation that takes into account a wide range of user behaviour, including in unexpected circumstances.