# Why small flaws make us want new things

> Small imperfections trigger a desire for perfect products, costing money and sustainability.
- Title: Why small flaws make us want new things · The Conversation
- Summary: Small imperfections trigger a desire for perfect products, costing money and sustainability. People who want flawless items replace products over minor…
- Keywords: desire for perfect products, consumer behaviour, imperfections, sustainability, wabi-sabi, consumer psychology, flawless items, product replacement, science, ideas, small, flaws
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/a-scuff-on-your-bag-a-dent-in-your-mug-and-suddenly-it-feels-like-time-for-a-new-one-293689
- Author: Aprajita Gautam
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: desire for perfect products, consumer behaviour, imperfections, sustainability, wabi-sabi, consumer psychology, flawless items, product replacement, science, ideas
## A scuff on your bag
People replace items with small flaws even when they still work.
## Flawless items
Some people care more about having flawless products than others.
## Desire for perfect products
This preference makes people set higher standards and ignore small imperfections.
## Research method
17 interviews in 2023 and 540 surveys identified the desire for perfect products.
## Perfection vs. perfectionism
Desire for perfect products is distinct from perfectionism.
## Online experiments
402 consumers used more filters for hotels, 301 upgraded to latest iPhones.
## Swapping mugs
People with flaws swapped mugs when they had dents.
## Less interest in repairs
People with flaws were less likely to fix keyboards with mismatched colors.
## Donating imperfect items
People with flaws donated fewer usable items with imperfections.
## Wabi-sabi concept
Wabi-sabi finds beauty in imperfection and change.
## Key takeaway

People who want flawless items replace products over minor flaws, hurting sustainability.