What characterizes planned obsolescence in product design?

Planned obsolescence is a strategy utilized in product design where products are intentionally created with a limited lifespan or functionality, leading them to become outdated or obsolete relatively quickly. This approach encourages consumers to replace their items sooner than they might have otherwise, driving continuous consumer spending and ensuring repeat sales for manufacturers. By designing products with built-in obsolescence, companies can stimulate demand and maintain a cycle of consumption.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the concept of planned obsolescence. Designing items to last for decades suggests durability and longevity, which goes against planned obsolescence. Producing items in limited editions usually aims to create exclusivity rather than planned obsolescence, and extensive testing prior to release ensures quality and reliability, which is not characteristic of products designed with intentional obsolescence in mind.