Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

The musical instrument is a salient example of a mass produced object with which many users develop a personal bond. This paper studies the interplay of platform-based design and co-creation by examining the case study of Fender electric guitars. Although primarily based on rational considerations such as reparability and the economic use of labor, tools, and materials, the design of these instruments started a process of platform-based co-creation where users respond to possibilities inherent in the product design, and companies respond to the creativity of users. Within these practices of experimental co-creation feedback loops emerge between customers and businesses that create several types of value: practical, emotional, and economic.