About Jacobs Design Conversations: Each semester, the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation invites leading designers and makers to Berkeley to speak as part of the Jacobs Design Conversations series. Connecting diverse perspectives under one roof, Jacobs Design Conversations are spaces for dialogue on a broad spectrum of innovations and ideas. As part of this series, Kyle Wiens will share his insights with Berkeley's design innovation community on Friday, October 19. The talk will take place at Jacobs Hall, the Jacobs Institute's hub for hands-on learning and making. About Kyle Wiens: Kyle Wiens is the CEO of iFixit, the free repair manual. He’s dedicated his life to defeating the second law of thermodynamics, a battle fought in the courtroom as often as in the workshop. The Right to Repair campaign has, so far, successfully legalized cell phone unlocking and tractor repair. iFixit is an international, open-source, online repair manual for everything. Our mission is to provide people with the knowledge to make their things work for as long as possible. Because we believe that repair saves money, fosters independence, and protects the planet. Wiens will investigate the tradeoffs of extending the life of products versus energy efficiency. What are the downstream impacts of design on the recycling, reuse, and refurbishment sectors? What are the battery removability vs durability tradeoffs? What design characteristics make some devices more difficult to repair and recycle? Wiens will also provide an in-depth analysis of the current state of Right to Repair legislation (pending in 20 US states) which will have a sweeping impact on the repair and recycling ecosystem. The hidden costs of our throw-away society include dramatic social impacts on communities lacking access to modern technology. If the repair ecosystem is stifled and electronic lifespan is shortened, it will increase the digital divide. Wiens will discuss ways this is happening now, and efforts some companies like HP are taking to extend lifespans and maintain digital access. Registration and day-of attendance: This lecture-style talk is free and open to the public. While all day-of attendance and seating is first-come, first-served, if you register by Wednesday, October 24, you'll have first priority for lunch on us (we'll buy food based on registrations, so please be considerate). Registration will open one month before the talk at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jacobs-design-conversations-kyle-wiens-tic… If you miss advance registration, don't worry: day-of guests are more than welcome!