Design research

MASS CUSTOMIZATION THROUGH ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

How could designers design customizable products in an integrated way?

Research aim

My research is based on three pilars: the strategy of mass customization where the value of products is not only created by the producing firm, but also by the consumers themselves, the second pillar is additive manufacturing technology (commonly referred to as 3D printing) which will be used as an end-use production technique, the third pillar is the practice of design which defines the role of the designer, manufacturer and consumer.

The aim of my research is to develop a method for industrial designers to design customizable (or variable for that matter) products and their respective toolkits, these products are produced by additive manufacturing.

Areas of my research

Mass customization toolkits

Mass customization allows consumers to have individual products that meet their needs and desires which are produced with mass production efficiency. The customization of products is typically done with a toolkit or configurator. Such toolkits range from very basic modular ones where the consumer can select and pick a color or graphic to more complex parametrically configured kits.

Toolkits have a central role in customization since it is connects the designer, manufacturer and consumer. It is also the interface for the consumer which guides them through the solution space and let them end up with a customized design.

Co-creation of value

In this model, value of products is not only created by the producing firm who sells the product, the consumer plays an active role in the value creation. Research has shown that the willingness to pay (WTP) increases when consumer actively are involved in customizing a product.

Additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing is a production technique which built products layer by layer, hence the name additive. It has been around for a few decades and mainly used for prototyping, however development in this technology has made it more accessible, affordable and the quality and variety of materials has improved.

Customized products produced by additive manufacturing can be produced on-demand and locally since there is no need for an investment in a expensive mould.

A parametric-based model can be customized through adjusting the values of parameters. This approach has the advantage over modularity since manufacturing can be post-poned till after the consumer has given his input.