We Kiwis reside in the last category when it comes to demanding excellence and quality in many aspects of design.
For example, let’s talk about the design of our homes and businesses. Survey after survey clearly indicates we are price-driven and more importantly, price-driven only at the time of purchase.
Where else in the world does the word “cheap” have a positive connotation?
I recently talked to the owner of a lawnmower store. He carried an expensive line of lawnmowers which offered a five year warranty and free annual blade sharpenings and tune ups that also included a free oil change, air filter and blade balancing. He stopped carrying this product line even though this mower proved to be the best value and provided the lowest overall cost at the end of five years. People would not buy it because it was “so expensive”. Yes, the initial cost was more expensive but after five years it was less expensive. In so many areas of our lives we seem unable to get past the current price of an item to look at the longer term value it offers.
How’s this for a crazy idea?
What if home designers and builders developed a standard package of sustainable and viable features including solar panels for water heating, rain water capture, double glazing of windows, proximity switches that turn out lights after you leave a room and water heaters at point of use, etc? These features would be standard in design packages and the consumer could still opt out if they didn’t want them. For example, the consumer who didn’t want double glazed windows would pay say $1,500 more for single pane windows. If all the viable features were declined, perhaps the purchaser would pay $7,500 or more.
Consider the economies of scale. The price of double glazed windows might fall by 40% due to increased production and competition. The price of solar panels could easily fall by 60%. There are other economic considerations. The reduction of electricity could delay or even stop the need for another $300 million hydro scheme. Yes, we know who pays for the hydro schemes – the rate payer.
I’ve been involved in a citizens group called WaterWisdom that was created to provide information about water issues. We speak to many groups on a monthly basis and virtually all questions we are asked relate to cost. “How much will this cost me? What will happen to my rates? Why doesn’t the government pay for it?"
We have, I’m sad to say, finally arrived at accepting Economic Totalitarianism. That means all decisions at any level of government or by individuals always starts with the question of “Is it good for the economy”? Or “How much will it cost me“?
What if we increase our production of lamb products by 15% even though the life expectancy of people would drop by three years? I have no doubt we would jump at the opportunity to increase lamb production. Who gives a damn about the people or their health?
We have surrendered to the notion that economic gain means more than the quality or value of life. This is economic totalitarianism at its best.
I personally would pay 20% more for lamb if I knew my fellow citizens might live healthier lives and might be around for another year or two.
I think we have totally lost the plot.
Bill Demeter is the President of Fuse Partners Limited (www.fuseonline.com) and has over forty years of experience working with organisations in North America, Europe and New Zealand.
Taken from:
INFORM Apr/May e-Magazine - Design and the Environment
April/May 2007
www.designindustry.co.nz
