In my last blog-post I introduced some terms and some types of 3D printing platforms. I explained what kind of types of co-creation there are, and how they relate to some 3D printing platforms. In this blog-post I would like to look further into the 3D printing service activity called ‘Design crowdsourcing’’. To refresh your minds, design crowdsourcing service offers a platform where user can ask the crowd to help design a detailed described project. We already know this kind of platform, it is called Werkspot in the Netherlands.
People were able to print three-dimensional (3D) objects from a digital files since the 1980’s. Ever since people have tried to improve and redevelop the 3D printing process. Just like you would need a graphic design for printing something 2D, you will need a 3D design for printing something in 3D. Many people have already discussed the impact of 3D printing and 3D designing in contrast to more traditional ways to create products. Nowadays you can either get your 3D design online or even create it yourself.
From the first men who created fire to cook dinner and keep themselves warm, to great professors trying to find a solution for cancer. People always have tried to solve problems. With the disruptive innovation, called the internet, communication became easier and cheaper, ergo; more people could be connected to each other. This interconnectedness spawned platforms to solve problems. One of these platforms is OpenIDEO, and it describes itself as ‘…a global community working together to design solutions for the world’s biggest challenges.’ But how does it work? How could a ‘platform’ design solutions for the world’s biggest challenges? I will answer these questions and come up with real life results.
Consumer Value Creation 