Flexible Fabrication-Driven Design Approach for Product Development in Fab Labs

This paper examines a flexible, fabrication-driven design methodology in Fab Labs, highlighting how digital fabrication tools enable customizable, scalable product development. It explores the benefits, challenges, and implications of this approach in modern manufacturing.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A practice-based methodology is used to analyse modular product systems with adjustable connections for applications such as furniture, stage sets, and automotive tuning. The study integrates theoretical discussions on digital fabrication with practical insights from case studies and prototyping experiments.

Data/Sample: The research evaluates design iterations, fabrication test results, and user feedback from Fab Lab environments to assess flexibility, efficiency, and adaptability.

Findings: A fabrication-driven approach enhances adaptability, reduces material waste, and optimises customization. Modular and parametric design strategies improve digital fabrication efficiency, making them ideal for small-scale manufacturing and prototyping. This approach proves effective across multiple domains.

Research Limitations/Implications: Scalability may be limited by specific digital fabrication tools. Future research could explore large-scale applications and long-term product durability.

Practical Implications: Integrating fabrication-driven principles into Fab Lab workflows improves prototyping, efficiency, and innovation, supporting cost-effective and sustainable product development.

Originality/Value: This study offers insights into digital fabrication and flexible design, benefiting Fab Lab practitioners, industrial designers, and engineers optimising customisation and production efficiency.