Extending the lifetime of household appliances is essential to reduce electronic waste and support a transition towards a circular economy. Despite this, many consumers remain reluctant to repair appliances when malfunctions occur, often opting for replacement instead. This thesis investigates how product design can increase consumers’ willingness to repair household appliances, focusing on the ATAG oven.

The research combines three complementary parts: a literature review on repair behaviour, a product analysis of the oven, and consumer research on perceptions of self-repair. The product analysis identified common malfunctions and disassembly sequences, while the consumer study revealed a strong polarisation between users willing and unwilling to repair. Two key factors emerged: effort justification and the perceived risk of causing further damage. Together, these insights indicate that design interventions should focus on convincing users that repair is worthwhile, reassuring them about potential risks, and supporting them throughout the process.

Based on these insights, the concept Moment of Care was developed. It integrates small, guided maintenance interactions into the product experience, making expected maintenance actions explicit and accessible. By structuring these into manageable steps, the concept clarifies what is required from users while gradually building familiarity and reducing perceived complexity.

A scenario-based evaluation indicates that this approach makes maintenance and repair more approachable and clarifies the user’s role in product upkeep. Embedding such interactions into everyday use reframes repair as a normal part of ownership rather than a rare technical intervention, supporting longer product lifetimes and more circular appliance use.