Speaker that grows in a piece of furniture, the shape is generated by an algorithm to suit one’s physical space. Credit: Image courtesy of Umeå universitet
Thus more meaningful products can be made for people and more value for companies. In his research, Guido Hermans has investigated a way to open up design to the consumer and how to give this group an active role in the design of everyday products. “This role change implies a shift for the professional designer from knowing what a future user would like to have towards knowing what a layperson would like to design, which is for most designers an unfamiliar way of thinking,” says Guido Hermans.
The new form of lay design is enabled by 2 developments: On the one hand, the creation of variable designs by using computational design, and on the other hand, the fabrication of variable products with 3D printing.
“I specifically investigated how the layperson can be involved in design through the use of so-called digital-physical toolkits, software applications where one designs in a digital environment and which outputs a physical product,” says Guido Hermans.
Guido Hermans has conducted a series of studies, both analytical and experimental. For the experiments he took a constructive design research approach, which means that he engaged in the making of toolkit and product prototypes. The implications of lay design concern the role of the professional designer, the way value is created, a shared accountability, and also the way designers are educated regarding the tool-sets, skill-sets, mindset, and knowledge.
“Lay design constitutes value created by both the professional and lay designer, thereby eliminating the separation of production and consumption,” says Guido Hermans. http://www.teknat.umu.se/english/about-the-faculty/news/newsdetailpage/opening-up-product-design-to-the-consumer-through-3d-printing-.cid256268
Recent Comments