SSG Prototype Phone

In order to be realistically flexible in the same way that open source software is, open hardware will need to be modular and flexible in new ways. This concept phone models a Skin-Skeleton-Guts construction method which allows it to be repaired, upgraded, or customized much more easily than existing devices. Additionally, by making the highest-wear parts (the skin and skeleton) out of the easiest to replace materials (sewn fabric and 3d-printed plastic) the device's lifespan can be greatly increased. An alternative configuration of the same guts as an E-reader is also shown. The Humblefactory is currently pursuing further investigations in this vein, using real, off the shelf, open hardware.

The Production Cycle

The Production Cycle is a project which explores small-scale manufacturing in dense urban areas. Additionally, it touches on issues of:

• Human powered manufacturing infrastructure
• Re-claiming waste streams
• Building maker-customer interactions
• Creating products which are unique to a geographic area

Tensile Skin Experimentation

In order to test the potential of skin-protected objects, two forms were covered in highly elastic polyester fabric. The first, a simple extruded form was realatively simple to cover, and maintained good closure even when shaken or dropped. The second, a tea-pot with complex convex surfaces, was more difficult to skin, but was strongly held together once wrapped. The fabric is wear resistant, low cost, and easy to care for. Best of all, it can be sewn with a simple zig-zag sewing machine.