Google Embeds Repairability into Product Design

Google is taking steps to design repairability into its products as part of its long-held support for the right-to-repair movement. According to Steven Nickel, director of consumer hardware operations at Google, repairing broken devices benefits both the environment and consumers.

‘It’s just good all around,’ Nickel said. ‘It keeps devices in customers’ hands and ensures that they’re out and being used as opposed to sitting in somebody’s drawer somewhere.’

The company has been working with third parties, including key partners like uBreakiFix and iFixit, to facilitate repair of its products worldwide.

Google has also made significant changes to the design of its latest Pixel Watch, eliminating glues and making it easier to swap out components like the battery and display. The company is now considering color-coding screws for easier disassembly and adjusting component layouts to provide visual cues for repair.