Many people believe we live in a world where desktop 3D printing is radically changing the way we make things. We’ll no longer shop at big box stores, but print out products on our desktop instead. Our whole intellectual property structure is at risk!
Or is it? Last year Joris Peels wrote a great essay called “The Singer Problem“. His argument is that no matter how good personal manufacturing technology gets, there are a number of intrinsic factors that will keep traditional factories in business. Sewing machines are widely available and easy to use, but we haven’t seen a Renaissance of hand sewn garments. He made 8 great points, but I believe there are 3 core reasons why mass customization will have a hard time taking off.
Technical Limits: Expert design generate value – I’m not Jonathan Ive and I’d rather he design my laptop than leave it in my hands. Even a mortal designer will have likely designed more products than me and learned from mistakes along the way.
Educational Limits: Design is for “other” people, most don’t have the time or talent – Getting good at design either from an engineering or aesthetic perspective takes a long time. It also helps if you have a knack for assembly or color. Most people lack both so it makes sense to leave designing to the pros.
Practical Limits: I don’t want to tweak an Aston Martin, I want everyone to know I can afford the most expensive one around. I’m signaling wealth, not creativity. Conversely, if I’m moving into a dorm, I need a chair that I’m going to toss into a dumpster in a year not something I’m emotionally involved in.
The only problem with Joris’s theory is that sewing is hard and you need access to some specialized equipment and materials along with a great deal of practice.
Pancakes are another story.
Jim is the father of cute girl named Ellie. He is also a Picasso of Pancake batter.
Using squeeze bottles and Aunt Jemima…
He is capable of creating cool confectionery creations like this:
Here is a video of the master at work:
There is nothing Jim is doing that couldn’t be replicated with a squeeze bottle, pancake batter, 15 minutes, and a modicum of drawing ability.
Jim’s been on national TV, his videos have millions of views, but has this trend swept the nation? Do you hear from friends who do this for fun? Not yet and maybe not ever.
There is a disconnect somewhere. Every year American’s spend over $30B on arts and craft supplies. That’s 3X what they spend on music. So we do have a creative impulse, but for some reason it hasn’t manifested itself via technology based customization services. I hope this changes, but if offerings don’t internalize the 3 points I observed (among others) they are making their jobs harder than they need to be.
Inspirations
Jim is a truly impressive creator. One element missing in most customization offerings is a well of inspirational content, something Jim provides in abundance. Visit his blog to see even more awesome stuff!
