There are several types of obsolescence:
- economic obsolescence which is linked to the quality/price ratio of the product, the reduction in its price or the cost of repairs;
- planned obsolescence, which is a stratagem planned by manufacturers from the design of the product to reduce its lifespan;
- psychological or aesthetic obsolescence which is linked to the image and changes in consumer needs. This perception is notably influenced by advertising;
- functional and technological obsolescence which is linked to improvements in product characteristics. For example, software obsolescence - which is related to the unavailability or malfunction of software - is a form of technological obsolescence.