Product Design

The Big Ideas Shaping Manufacturing in 2012

  • Posted by Dienamics
  • August 15, 2012

The manufacturing industry is always on the front line of innovation, and in 2012 you can expect to see some incredible products being pumped out. The following is a look at some of the big ideas fuelling the manufacturing industry for 2012.

3D printing

One of the biggest ideas shaping manufacturing in 2012 is 3D printing, and it has revolutionised everything from the way intricate artworks are made to creating perfectly fitting hip replacements. Thanks to 3D printing, it no longer takes an eternity to have a prototype made up, even if it is an extremely intricate product design that you are looking to have created.

Living buildings

As concern for the environment has increased over the past few years, green-friendly products have become far more popular, and now the focus in manufacturing has evolved from green products to ‘living buildings’. In an attempt to reduce the negative impact of a building on the environment, everything from the office furniture to the flooring has come under scrutiny, so expect to see more manufacturing in line with the idea of eco-friendly, living buildings.

Mobility

A huge theme in manufacturing for 2012 will once again be getting mobile, as the manufacturing industry looks to try and catch up with the dizzying rate of progress in the information technology sector. Expect to see tools, equipment and devices with more remote capabilities, enabling workplaces and homes to become far more flexible and convenient places.

Security focused products and buildings

Security has become a growing concern for businesses and individuals of late, and so expect to see industrial designers coming out with more safety and security-oriented products in 2012. In particular, there will be a big increase in products aimed at average people looking to protect themselves or their home and property.

Do it yourself

Whether it is a cost-cutting measure or just being more self-sufficient, more people are looking for DIY solutions to their problems around the home, and as a result there will continue to be way more DIY versions of all sorts of professional grade tools and equipment. DIY-themed ideas have been a growing trend over the past two decades, and you can expect to see them figure prominently in the manufacturing sector once again in 2012.

Multi-purpose

Today’s consumers want their products to be able to do as much as possible, and the manufacturing industry is doing an incredible job of keeping up with this demand. This year’s products will continue to have a multiple-use theme, and may mean you can finally get rid of some of your more single-use products, as well as justify upgrading to items that will do more, better.

You can always count on the manufacturing industry to put forward a few new ideas, and considering how much consumers want out of their products, it is amazing how effectively the industry has been able to keep up. For a great way to provide your office or home with a boost this year, check out the latest in manufacturing, because the perfect solution to suit your needs may be released soon.