With all that talk about the importance of you (the printing press and pop culture replicas) perhaps you would like to know why the influence of others can be so powerful?
The reason why we are motivated to create cool stuff, to try something new, is all based on the neat theory of technological determinism. At its core, determinism suggests that all events are completely determined by the outcomes of the past. If there is a need, something will have to occur in order for it to be fulfilled, thus making progress. Pretty straightforward, but now you’re probably wondering how this relates to 3D printing…well, let me try to explain it for you.
Technology, at least in the modern media sense, has become increasingly focused on aspects of personal presentation. When we go shopping for clothes, perfume or personal computers, we are actually seeking out what brands we use to help display our personality to others. This is a shout out to all the Apple fanboys and girls out there.
All hail the modern smartphone! Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/other/worth-wait-frenzied-apple-fans-finally-get-their-hands-new-f4B11210783
To some degree, 3D printing perfectly embodies these core values of technological determinism. In spite of it still being part of a niche industry, AM technologies (the event) are fuelling the emerging ‘self service’ market (the past, unsatisfied need). As a result, consumers are encouraged to become more independent, favouring self generated and personalised content over mass produced stock.
3D printing is helping us create content previously considered impossible, filling the void of unsatisfactory customer experiences to ensure that we get the best for our buck. Win win situation, don’t you think?
LINKS
A glimpse into the celebratory rituals of the Apple fan-base: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/other/worth-wait-frenzied-apple-fans-finally-get-their-hands-new-f4B11210783
3D Industrial Revolution 