what is the difference between technological obsolescence and functional obsolescence?
This article has an excellent explanation of the similarities and differences.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsolescence
To understand the difference between technological obsolescence and functional obsolescence, let's start by defining what each term means.
Technological obsolescence refers to the state where a technology becomes outdated or no longer relevant due to advancements in newer technologies. In simpler terms, it means that a particular technology is no longer considered state-of-the-art or up-to-date.
On the other hand, functional obsolescence refers to a situation where a product or technology becomes less functional or less useful over time due to changes in user preferences, market demands, or design flaws. Functional obsolescence is not necessarily related to technological advancements but rather to the usefulness and practicality of the product or technology.
Understanding the difference between these two concepts is important as both can affect the value and lifespan of a product or technology. Technological obsolescence is often the result of newer and more advanced technologies entering the market, making older technologies less desirable or even unusable. For example, the shift from traditional landline phones to smartphones is a clear example of how technological advancements can make a previous technology obsolete.
Functional obsolescence, on the other hand, can be caused by various factors such as changes in user needs and preferences, improvements in product design, or changes in societal norms. For instance, a product can become functionally obsolete if it lacks certain features that have become standard in the market or if it fails to meet current safety or quality standards.
To find a more in-depth explanation of the similarities and differences between technological obsolescence and functional obsolescence, you can refer to the Wikipedia article provided in the previous response: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsolescence.