Future Thinking

A Glimpse into the Desktop Factory : Digital , Decentralise and Desktop

I have observed a trend in how the manufacturing of products has evolved. At the start, the focus was on mass production, aimed at manufacturing products in large quantities to reduce costs. However, this approach is gradually shifting towards personalisation, where products are tailored to meet individual preferences and needs. The trend is evolving further towards hyper-personalisation, where the customisation of bespoke products reaches an even more detailed level, catering to the unique desires of each consumer.

A comparison of the search terms ‘personalized’ and ‘bespoke’ reflects consumer preferences regarding the level of detail in the final product. — Chart from Google Trend

This might not only apply to physical products but also to consumable as well.

Customise your own Boba drink machine in Bangkok (2024) — Photo credit HH

Only one operator is required to handle the stall — Photo credit HH

Before the trend mature and takes off, I believe there are a few areas that one should monitor and understand their impact on the ecosystem. Below are some of the key dots and questions.

Desktop factory

Accessible tools are empowering small and niche brand creators to craft products that resonate with consumers. While 3D printers could face delays in widespread adoption among the general public because of their complex learning curve, smaller manufacturing devices, like handheld heat presses and smart cutting machines, are set to seamlessly fill this gap for now.

A range of pressing machines from Cricut designed for desktop use, offering accessibility.

Decomposing Local Material

To keep material costs low, sourcing locally or recycling materials would be ideal. I envision a small-scale material production center equipped with machines like Precious Plastic, which would help decompose raw materials for fabrication use.

Materials are no longer chosen solely for their functional properties, but rather a creative drive to use materials in ways that add personal value and uniqueness to the product.

Precious Plastic machines are designed to set up recycling businesses. Processing loads of plastic.

Digital Fabrication and Decentralise Manufacturing

The idea of commercialising design concepts to be made-on-demand worldwide and produced locally aligns closely with the model used by Opendesk. This model could prompt a reconsideration of how ideas are licensed for a royalty fee for production, while also providing local artisans with increased work opportunities.

Changing the way furniture is made, by connecting customers to local makers — Opendesk.cc

An Epson retail solution that is just around the corner.

Emerging Skills and Roles

What new skills or job roles, such as a Print Operator or Digital Artisan, might this trend necessitate?

Industry Adoption

Which industries are poised to benefit from this manufacturing method? I would speculate the fast fashion, toys, brand packaging, and potentially the food and pharmaceutical sector itself.

The process of making art toy from the bedroom

Impact on Logistics and E-commerce

Could this trend disrupt traditional shipping logistics and e-commerce frameworks?

Contribution to Sustainability

Does this approach foster sustainability by promoting local manufacturing and reducing shipping needs?

Overview

Below is a personal overview on how production can be tailored to meet the needs and preferences of various audiences.

I believe that the future of manufacturing lies not in the ability to produce millions of identical products at a fraction of the cost, but rather in the capability to produce a bespoke product at the same fraction of the cost.

This presents an opportunity for small brand operators to strengthen their brand message and re-examine the definition of luxury.

In a future scenario, convenience stores like 7-Eleven could be equipped with 3D printing technology and customisable materials, allowing for the creation of bespoke products on demand — Image rendered by MJ

References and Notes

• Customisation in China: What Brands can do
• 7th April 2024
  Desktop CNC for Aluminium and Titanium — Coast Runner https://coastrunner.net/
• 7th April 2024
  YSL — Personalised Lip Colour Maker
  https://www.yslbeauty.com.sg/en_SG/rougesurmesure.html
• 10th April 2024
  NHK Japan feature a design documentary about Customisation.
  Some of the key take away as follows
  - “Need a framework to lower the barriers to entry” : I find this an interesting concept regarding how tools can be made more accessible for new participants to enter a specific market or field. In the context of the video, the software EMARF, help in designing personalised furniture with an AI prompt. Lowering the barrier for those who are not familiar in CAD drawing.
  - “Dialogue makes both creators and buyers happy” : Customisation bring conversation
  - “There are users who sacrifice a little function for extra fashion” : I think this is something to look upon especially in the Gentle Monster hype recently.
  - “We have to live with limitation. Customisation and choices are a huge part of self-expression”: this give me the epiphany that personalisation is also a inclusivity approach.