Guidelines for the Design of Digitally Fabricable Products for the Intent of Digital Distribution

Abstract

With the availability of low-cost 3D modeling and digital fabrication tools and software, a culture of “digital making” has emerged. With companies like Opendesk and Thingiverse providing open source resources for at-home or “do-it-yourself” furniture and other products, the consumer now has the power to create his or her own - thus limiting the need for a “middle-man.” Because digital making is relatively new, there is a lack of standardization or guidelines for digitally fabricable designs. This thesis will serve to guide and assist a designer or maker in the design of digitally fabricable products for the intention of maximizing sales or digital distribution.