Open Design Now book launch in Amsterdam

8 June 2011,
Pakhuis De Zwijger, Amsterdam

The new book, Open Design Now: why design cannot remain exclusive, was launched this week in Amsterdam.
As the website of the book explains: “Design is undergoing a revolution. Technology is empowering more people to create and disseminate designs, and professionals and enthusiasts are using it to share their work with the world. Open design is changing everything from furniture to how designers make a living.”
Full details about this timely book, which covers all aspects of this emerging field of practice, can be found on the Premsela website here.

The launch was very well attended, and the editors and many of the authors were interviewed before the audience, explaining the various drivers behind the project. A number of machines producing open source designs were also on display, including an Ultimaker machine and a laser cutter, which I spotted was cutting paper necklaces made from the words of a quote from my own contribution to the book: “The Cult of the Connoisseur has given way to the Cult of the Amateur – those who know themselves what is best for them”.

In the true spirit of openness, the book is gradually being made available online under the Creative Commons Licence. My article, ‘Orchestral Manoeuvres in Design’ is the first article to be openly accessible, and can be accessed at the book’s official website here.

Left: Three of the editors of the book, Bas Van Abel, Roel Klaassen and Lucas Evers are interviewed on stage by journalist and writer Tracy Metz to answer questions about Open Design Now.