Plenary: Anti-Ephemeral Design for Responsible Production and Consumption of Mobility

The chapter 'Anti-Ephemeral Design for Responsible Production and Consumption of Mobility' delves into the intersection of car design, consumerism, and sustainability. It argues that the current car design paradigm, driven by ephemerality and consumerism, is unsustainable and calls for a shift towards 'Anti-Ephemeral Design'. This approach focuses on extending the lifecycle of cars, adapting products, and promoting a cultural shift towards more responsible and meaningful mobility. The chapter introduces two projects, Joyful Journeys and Ecofitting, which explore these ideas through design research and practical applications. Joyful Journeys highlights the importance of shared mobility experiences beyond monetization, while Ecofitting proposes a circular economy strategy for retrofitting older cars to electric power. Both projects emphasize the need for a holistic approach that considers environmental, economic, socio-ethical, and subjective sustainability. The chapter concludes by stressing the urgent need for a paradigm shift in mobility design to combat climate change and promote a more sustainable future.