Hi everyone,

I’m a 3D printing hobbyist conducting a research that aims at studying the impact of internet and technology on the design demographics and how internet communities maker culture involved with technology and DIY enthusiasts to come together and share knowledge (especially in 3D printing).
I have a few questions that I’m looking for anyone’s opinion on, also if you have anything you want to add to the discussion go ahead it’s much appreciated


  1. What does the online community mean to you as a designer? Is it a knowledge base and/or a place for sharing ideas and opinions?
  2. What is the reason you design 3D products? Do you wish to customize, remix and design for yourself or are you driven by your profession or profit?
  3. If you’re a hobbyist and have learned to use a software and fabrication platforms on your own (using forums and tutorials on internet like me) which is extremely time consuming what do you think is the trade-off like between time and value created and why?


Thanks for everyone who took time to reply