3D printing and social innovation

definition of guidelines based on analysis of case studies for application in disadvantaged communities

Abstract

This paper is derived from a research that establishes a relationship between Additive Manufacturing and Social Innovation, from the perspective of Design, and aims to propose guidelines for inserting 3D Printing in socially innovative projects, especially in disadvantaged regions. It is characterized as applied in nature, with a mixed approach, exploratory and descriptive, as to its objectives, and bibliographic. Its procedures include case studies, which are multiple, which were selected because they generate 3D printed products that cause social impact in a given context, and documentary research. Its instruments are questionnaires, group sessions and audiovisual materials. Product development was based on Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Design Science Research (DSR), divided into 3 (three) phases: "Hear", with evaluation of pre-existing knowledge, self-documentation and proposal of artifacts to solve the problem; "Create", with the participatory co-design approach, involving the identification of patterns to extract main insights, and transformation of ideas into reality, producing prototypes/physical models; and "Deliver", covering the identification of necessary capabilities, evaluation of the artifact, with user testing to assess the applicability of the proposed guidelines and the impact generated, conclusions and communication of the results. As results, instructions related to technical factors, about 3D printers, filaments and printing configurations, and social factors, about potential partners, to stimulate the implementation of initiatives, and products (hammer and containers) were developed to benefit a group of cashew workers from Jacaraú, Paraíba, with comfort and agility.