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Product design for repairability & upgradability → Evaluates how a product's physical design facilitates or hinders repair and extension of its useful lifeRepair support & services → Examines the manufacturer's and brand’s commitment to supporting product repair Documentation & information → Assesses the availability and quality of information that supports product repairAccessibility to spare parts → Evaluates how easily consumers or repair shops can obtain replacement componentsAffordability of product repair → Examines the economic factors that influence repair decisions
How durable is the product? Does it use quality materials and construction methods that prevent premature failure? Are components designed to withstand extended use?Can the product be opened and serviced without specialized tools? (Universal design)Are components modular and independently replaceable? Are fasteners easily accessible and reusable rather than permanent?Does the product use standardized components and connections rather than proprietary ones? Can parts be replaced with generic alternatives? Is the product compatible with standard tools?How comprehensive and long-lasting is the warranty? Does it cover common failure points? Does the manufacturer offer extended service options?Are authorized repair services readily available? What is the geographic distribution of service centers in Thailand? Does the manufacturer offer mail-in repair options? Are there independent repair providers partnered with the brand?Does the manufacturer actively promote repair through their communication channels? Do they educate consumers about repair options? Do they celebrate product longevity rather than frequent replacement?Does the manufacturer provide detailed information about components and materials? Are there clear instructions for maintenance and care to prevent damage?Are repair manuals publicly available? Are there troubleshooting guides, video tutorials, or other resources for DIY repairs? Are schematics or technical drawings accessible?How long does the manufacturer commit to producing spare parts? Are critical components available for the expected lifespan of the product?Can parts be purchased directly by consumers? Are they available through multiple channels (online, retail stores, service centers)? Are there geographic limitations on spare parts availability in Thailand?Are spare parts priced reasonably relative to the product's overall cost? Are pricing structures transparent and consistent?Is the cost of official repair service reasonable? How does it compare to the replacement cost of the product? Are there tiered service options at different price points?
RCTH R-Score
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5. Assessment Framework
The assessment framework of the RCTH R-Score is developed based on the work of existing initiatives and our team members’ expertise on circular design. Our goal is to design a framework that measures how well a product supports repair throughout its lifecycle. This structured approach ensures a thorough evaluation that considers both technical design elements and practical consumer concerns.
There are five key aspects of repairability in the RCTH R-Score. Accordingly, each aspect contains specific assessment criteria. In total, there are 12 assessment criteria in our framework.
5.1 Five assessment aspects
5.2 Twelve assessment criteria
Repairability Aspects
Assessment criteria
What is expected?
Examples of research questions
1. Product design for repairability and upgradability
3
1.1 Design for long-lasting
The product is designed for long-lasting (both hardware and software) to minimize product repair or replacement
1.2 Design for ease of disassembly
The product is designed for ease of disassembly within a few simple steps
1.3 Universal design
The product incorporated universal design both in term of the components (e.g. universal product component) and its complementing products (e.g. phone and its charging wire)
2. Repair support & services
3
2.1 Product guarantee coverage & length
The brand offers product guarantee that covers repair services and up to suitable amount of years
2.2 Repair services
The brand supports repair of its product, including offering its own repair services (even after the guarantee expired), and also supports local repair shops
2.3 Public communication encouraging product repairing
The brand makes a clear statement to the public, encouraging its consumers to repair its product before buying a new one. In case it offers repair services, consumers are informed about the existence of the services and how to use the service before they purchase its product (point of sale)
3. Documentation & support information
2
3.1 Documentation of product's component, composition, and product caring
The brand informs the public about its product design and composition, and also product caring
3.2 Access to the repair guideline
The brand provides an instruction or guideline for self-repairing with clarity via different modes and channels for consumers to access widely
4. Accessibility to spare parts
2
4.1 Availability of the spare parts throughout the life-span of a product
The brand has spare parts available for product repairing throughout the lifespan of the product.
4.2 Market accessibility to the available spare parts
Consumers or repair shops can access and purchase spare parts conveniently from the brand
5. Affordability of product repair
2
5.1 Affordability of the spare parts
Consumers can purchase spare parts from the brand at reasonable prices
5.2 Affordability of the brand’s repair services
Consumers can purchase the brand’s repair services at reasonable prices
This framework serves as the foundation for the detailed scoring methodology described in Chapter , which explains how these qualitative assessments are translated into the quantitative scoring. (Note: Not all assessment criteria will be used for the first assessment due to technical limitations at the moment. Please see the selected criteria for the first assessment in Chapter 7. )
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