Final answer:
Simpler products lead to increased productivity and a larger variety of goods at lower prices, benefiting consumers. However, the constant push for innovation can result in the loss of beloved products and contribute to a 'consumer treadmill' of overconsumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Debra, the vice president of Theo Chocolate, one of the results of offering simpler products is that consumers benefit from increased productivity, which generally leads to a larger variety of goods available at lower prices. When products are simplified, production can often be streamlined, which may lower manufacturing costs and the savings can be passed onto consumers. In addition, when consumers are presented with simpler product options, they can make more informed choices, leading to higher satisfaction.
However, there are some potential downsides to this approach. For instance, the continual push for new and improved products by companies can sometimes result in the unavailability of tried and true products that consumers have grown to love, as highlighted by the toothbrush example mentioned. This can cause a bit of a 'consumer treadmill' effect, where consumers are constantly seeking the next best thing, which can contribute to overconsumption and a more disposable culture.