Question :: should an industrial designer focus on increasing the consumption of products?

The primary focus of the industrial designer (ID) ideally considers the purpose, (re)use, material + structural form, and more recently an emotional element within product designs. These are fundamental elements of design, which help to establish a product's value and marketability. The question posed here suggests mass consumerism and disposable products with a short life cycle. I think that what an ID would consider today is designing a more durable product, with a minimal consumable component. And so, of equal importance is considering an environmental responsibility, and using a 'well-informed' process. By the latter, I mean to say that historical and statistical data can be used to make informed decisions in design that reinforce the product's life cycle and usability. Both locally and globally. Thus enhancing quality.

That said, I would like to share a rare example of how an ID responsibly focused on increasing consumption. Magnhild Disington's Project :: Furry Object combines the material of fur with a portable electronic device. Although a controversial topic, the fur Dissington uses is otherwise discarded by manufacturers. Additionally, she believes that the material adds an element of value and emotional appeal to the product, making it more of a keepsake, and for some a wearable accessory. An object which also adds historical reference to the "rabbit fur" keychain, made popular back in the 1980's. Thus she has preserved a precious material, otherwise wasted, and extended the life cycle of the electronic device.