News and Analysis

The Smithsonian In 3D!

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The Smithsonian is going to build ana rchive of 3D models of Key pieces. The plan is that some items will get printed out, some may remain digital, etc. There’s no plan to put these available to everyone.

Yet.

We’ve discussed 3D printers here for awhile, but let me now digress a bit into what this can mean.

  1. This is the major national museum jumping on 3D storage, imaging, and printing. That’s big. That’s huge. That’s moving with the times. That will also make people more aware of 3D modeling and printing.
  2. Now that this is out people WILL want the models made available for them to print. If that happens – and I see no reason why not – it’ll be an amazing boost to awareness of 3D printing.
  3. Other museums and institutions will doubtlessly follow suit in using modeling software and archives. This could be a job area to look into.
  4. No matter who does the modeling, some of it is going to leak out to the 3D printing world. Nuff said.
  5. It the Smithsonian shares models with schools, if schools print things themselves, that can promote awareness of 3D printing and technology.
  6. If you at all are into 3D modeling, imaging, and 3D printing, you’ve probably got a lot of ideas.
  7. Imagine what digital exhibits and the sharing of them can mean to museums and similar institutions.

3D printing enthusiasts? Start lobbying the Smithsonian to make things available now. Write the president – he’s a geek. This could really push the technology into mainstream awareness.

Oh, and this opens up some interesting career paths too . . .

–Steven Savage

Free Office, Go Japan – News from 2/28/2011

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Intel is supporting LibreOffice, another MS Office OS alternative. That’s a big name signing on to the project, and another reason for people to pay attention. TAKEAWAY: Between Open Office and LibreOffice, and with the move to Apple products and Android, how much Marketshare will Microsoft loose?

Man I love it when the Wall Street Journal uses the word “Otaku.” Japan’s Economy Minister is doing his bit to promote Akihabara. Presented for both amusement, and a reminder of the (seemingly erratic) attempts of Japan to promote itself as a culture engine. TAKEAWAY: I think the culture engine idea actually is quite good for Japan, but someone needs to leverage it much better. That, by the way, is a hint.

– Steven Savage

How Great Toys Are Made – And Not Made

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It probably sounds like paradise to design toys and merch for media tie-ins; the problem is that you have odd deadlines, rejected ideas, and things that seemed cool at the time that embarrass you. Oh, and then there’s having to relocate because people need to get ears right.

Four years ago Action Figure Insider had an article on rejected toys by Jason Geyer, who was hip- deep in star wars merch design. He’s updated this with additional information on the crazy ideas that came out. Jabba the Hutt beanbags, laval lamps, and more are all here.

This is a great insight into merch/toy design, what it’s like, and what it’s like to work in that area – as well as how crazy your imagination can get or has to get. I enjoyed such gems as:

  • The manufacturing constraints and why design has to be done so early.
  • Why Jar-Jar’s ears required the writer to live in China for awhile.
  • The influence of Disney.
  • Darth Vader potato chip clip. No I’m not kidding.

MUST READ here. Also I need to interview this guy . . .

– Steven Savage