How do user practices and connected narratives of sense making affect product longevity?

This study investigates how user practices and connected narratives of sense making affect product longevity by drawing on practice theory and the narrative paradigm. Empirical basis is provided by qualitative interviews with consumers about their use of electronic devices. By zooming in into the everyday life of consumers the six common narratives newism, functionality, sufficiency, quality, repair does not work, and planned obsolescence are described. This analysis outlined how the narratives are used as justification for practices regarding product lifetimes. The narrative of planned obsolescence, for example, shows how certain attributions of meaning can be connected with life-extending or life-shortening practices. The perspective on user narratives reveals that while consumers may act inconsistently overall, their practices may well make sense when viewed and understood as embedded in the social context and in relation to other narratives. The discussion explores how sustainable narratives which characterizes devices as valuable might promote life enhancing practices. In the conclusion, we zoom out to outline the role of narratives in the linear economy.