With the growing advent of open source programming, it seems as if we are moving toward software products created for the people and by the people. Could this same system be used to create new and innovative products for the home? http://www.livesimplicity.com/topics/open-source-product-design 2007-01-18T17:09:03Z Gem http://www.livesimplicity.com/users/gem http://www.livesimplicity.com/topics/open-source-product-design#comment1 2006-11-09T03:48:31Z NixHex http://www.livesimplicity.com/users/nixhex Sounds like a great idea but it would have to be strictly controlled by the manufacturer. The public knows what they want and provide great value in the product development lifecycle. A system such as this, done correctly, could revolutionize the way products are designed. http://www.livesimplicity.com/topics/open-source-product-design#comment2 2006-11-09T16:18:33Z warby http://www.livesimplicity.com/users/warby open source is a great idea provided that corporations aren't exploiting the system to gain free development. Product development is one of the costliest sides of production. If that cost is removed the manufacturer can increase his margins. Profiteering by some individuals or organisations is one side of this system that may deter people from providing ideas and solutions. http://www.livesimplicity.com/topics/open-source-product-design#comment3 2006-11-10T02:20:05Z Aos http://www.livesimplicity.com/users/aos I have to agree with warby. Assuming those contributing to the project can be compensated in some way, I can see it as a valuable tool. Otherwise, it's just another way for corporations to make money off of us. http://www.livesimplicity.com/topics/open-source-product-design#comment4 2006-11-11T14:03:26Z jono http://www.livesimplicity.com/users/jono this concept theoreticaly is a good idea, who knows what the public want better than the public themselves? it's not unlilke open source programming which uses the vast resource of the internet to deploy it's creations to anyone willing and interested to download them why shouldn't people simply advertise their ideas on websites where any prospective business may find and pick up on the idea - essentialy the main blocking force for people creating their own products to make life easier for themselfs is a lack of resources to manufacture them. Now that the internet is basicaly essential in every day life the resources are in place for other people with the methods to manufacture your idea for you. It is only when people demand revenue for their idea that faults appear within the system - if money is what the indivdual wants then why not simply talk directly to a company? but doesn't doing it for the money destroy the concept of open source creation, shouldn't the idea be to rather 'volunteer' ideas to businesses open to suggestions and hope your idea is created so that you can use it yourself which is what you originaly set out to do. http://www.livesimplicity.com/topics/open-source-product-design#comment5 2006-11-13T09:33:29Z sean http://www.livesimplicity.com/users/sean I think it would open the world up to a variety of new and innovative products. Ideas from the masses can be very forward thinking. The true test would be if a company could create an experience where customers can truly create a product, but not worry about manufacturing, much like Nike ID does. They allow you to design your own athletic shoe. The wait time is two weeks, but well worth the wait if you get exactly what you wanted. http://www.livesimplicity.com/topics/open-source-product-design#comment6 2006-11-15T19:04:37Z BigJohn0309 http://www.livesimplicity.com/users/bigjohn0309 I agree, its a great idea, but the only problem is often people are selfish... I say that because I am, ive had loads of great ideas, still do have, but i dont want to put them out there because i dont want someone else making a mint out of my idea, having said that im constantly seeing other people think of the samethings of course, and because they have the skills or guts to actually do it, they do make a mint, and yet here i am thinking of things to make everything better, but practically bankrupt on a daily basis!!! GRRR - someone employ me to think of great ideas... and implement them.... I thought this was what this site would be all about tbh!! http://www.livesimplicity.com/topics/open-source-product-design#comment7 2006-11-19T07:59:28Z sara http://www.livesimplicity.com/users/sara hi.I am com. I woulde learn english.thanks.bye http://www.livesimplicity.com/topics/open-source-product-design#comment8 2006-11-19T08:08:26Z sara http://www.livesimplicity.com/users/sara I accept each opinion. http://www.livesimplicity.com/topics/open-source-product-design#comment9 2006-11-23T03:17:50Z pawn http://www.livesimplicity.com/users/pawn I think the things that Nokia has done with experience design is very useful since they make it an experience to use their products based on consumer trends, so in this way consumers are defining their needs while Nokia creates the bulk of the design based on those consumer insights. Nokia often delves into projects and allows both design students and the general public design cell phones (or"mobile computers as Nokia now calls them) that meet their particular needs. http://www.livesimplicity.com/topics/open-source-product-design#comment10 2006-12-01T08:58:27Z Simpler http://www.livesimplicity.com/users/simpler as a theory it's a great idea. However, apart from software a doubt if it's effective in practice. Groups are not good at reducing complexity since it often means that too many opinions (and hence features) are included. Think you could use user groups to vote on what to remove though. http://www.livesimplicity.com/topics/open-source-product-design#expert-conclusion 2007-01-18T17:09:03Z Although open source product design may be a great way to develop ideas, it can often lead to increased complexity. Groups often create complexity as a result of having too many opinions. A product cannot be all things to all people. It's important for product developers to define a product based on customer needs and create something specific to that need. Open source product development could prove to be more stifling than helpful in creating great products.