On the open design of tangible goods

Abstract

Open source software development has received considerable scholarly attention, much of which is based on the presumption that the ‘open source model’ holds some lessons of broader applicability. Nonetheless, our knowledge of its deployment outside the software industry is very limited. This paper focuses on the open source development of tangible objects, the so‐called open design. We propose a generalised definition of open source development. Drawing on 27 exploratory interviews and six comparative case studies selected from a pool of more than 75 projects, we analyse the workings of open design. The analysis reveals that open design is already being implemented in a substantial variety of projects with different organisational and institutional structures.

What is the “Source” of Open Source Hardware?

“…From a design-point-of-view, the degrees of freedom in the problem-solution space introduced by their mechanical portion rise significantly. Howard et al (2012) and Raasch, Herstatt, and Balka (2009) also illustrate how OSH is looking at the full spectrum of product complexity and different manufacturing strategies, from DIY to industrial production.…”

“…Huizingh (2011) defines open source innovation as a result of both process and product openness. Raasch, Herstatt, and Balka (2009) particularly deliver the following definition: "open source innovation is characterised by free revealing of information on a new design with the intention of collaborative development of a single design or a limited number of related designs for market or nonmarket exploitation".…”

Open Design: Contributions, Solutions, Processes and Projects

“…(Chesbrough, 2006) In combining the opening up of the design development process to others and making the work contributed and ultimately designed available openly, there is a definition that can be seen as an open design process. Raasch et al devised a definition of a type of design referred to as 'open source innovation' (Raasch et al, 2009). In their work, 'open source innovation (OSI) is characterized by the free revealing of information on a new design with the intention of collaborative development of a single design or a limited number of related designs for market or non-market exploitation'.…”

“…Definitions of open design are given, as are similar concepts of open innovation (Chesbrough, 2006), open source innovation (Raasch et al, 2009) and co-design (Sanders and Stappers, 2008) in order to draw parallels and highlight differences. The paper will set out a case for the use of clear definitions to determine the characteristics of open and collaborative design.…”

Open source enters the world of atoms: A statistical analysis of open design

“…To generalize the 'OS model' to a non-industry specific level, we build on the concept of 'Open Source Innovation', as defined by Raasch, et al (2009a): Open source innovation is characterized by free revealing of information on a new design with the intention of collaborative development of a single design or a limited number of related designs for market or non-market exploitation.…”