ADOPTION OF MODULAR DESIGN BY MAKERS AND PROSUMERS. A SURVEY

Abstract

AbstractThe growing tendency for end users to get involved in the design and manufacturing phase of their own products has led to the proliferation of makers and prosumers. The tools available for this have been adapted to be used by non-specialized users who seek to meet their own needs and wants. Modular design offers a series of advantages directly related to the needs of current users, but which has hardly been used to benefit them. Instead, its development has geared towards aspects that are hidden to the consumer, such as flexible production.This work presents a survey, part of a wider research, whose objective is to develop a methodological model for the prosumer to benefit from modular design. The survey was open for several months and was only aimed at makers, prosumers and designers. A dissemination plan was drawn up where the current communication channels of these users were taken into account. The results show what the current prosumer is like, what their needs are and how they relate to modular design. Finally, the conclusions provide information on how to develop a model proposal to ensure its correct usability and acceptance.