Do-It-Yourself Fabrication of Electronic Devices

Abstract

This article discusses how digital fabrication affects the production of electronic devices, drawing on the author's experience making radios, speakers, mice, and cellphones. Several case studies demonstrate the differences between digital fabrication and traditional mass-production or do-it-yourself (DIY) practices. The author analyzes how the digital nature of design files and the flexibility of fabricating them into physical objects transform the design and production of enclosures and circuit boards, but has less effect on component sourcing, circuit assembly, and programming. The author also explores how different people can get involved in the process of fabricating devices, the skills required, and relevant motivations. This article is part of a special issue on printing and fabrication.