Abstract

In this post-industrial digital era, the average person has access to the tools and opportunity to design, produce, and share their ideas. The concept of Open Design aims to drive a paradigm shift in the way Product and Industrial Design is created, shared, and commercialized. Nonetheless, there are a series of obstacles that deter potential users from experimenting with this new way of designing. For example, we can look at the hazards presented by additive manufacturing on accessible design files to produce weapons. But through Open Design new business models are flourishing. These models hold great promise for the future of design—more direct contact with the consumer through co-creation, distributed manufacturing, and engagement with the FabLab network.