Open source thinking and user generated content are changing the way business models are planned. The simplicity of softwares to edit photo, music and film has empowered common people to create and share creativity. The DIY (Do It Yourself) economy is challenging product development with the growing need for user costomization (much simpler in the software world). Although the big names of the Industry may not want users to influence their designs, users are going design their your own products with the help of free CAD software and desktopfabrication.

In Product development sharing files, like .MP3, may well become as popular as dowloading the last U2 hit. Imagine if you could design your next sunglasses and share it with your friends that would download it and print on the corner’s copy shop 3D printer. Imagine more complex ideas where you could share files with companies and engineers that would collaborate with you making your dream product!

Looking forward to it I am glad to point you to this list of Free CAD (Computer-aided Design) Programs put up by the folks of Freebyte. With a mix of totally free softwares and time-trial CAD software demos. Still most of them are too complicated to mastered by the majority of the crowd but it is already a start.

One thing to think about is how today’s companies will have to adapt for this coming situation. If they are going to find ways of exchanging knowledge with its “design users” giving rewards for user generated design like bonus at buys, free products, or if they are going to ignore it.

Thanks Freebyte!