User Involvement in Additive Manufacturing: a Quantitative Study

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Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

School of Business | Bachelor's thesis

Date

2019

Department

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

(Mikkeli) Bachelor’s Program in International Business

Language

en

Pages

35

Series

Abstract

Objectives The main objectives of this study were to find and measure the factors affecting how consumers intend to utilise additive manufacturing and to analyse how consumers can be involved in additive manufacturing activities with businesses, keeping in mind the opportunities and weaknesses of the technology. Summary Opportunities and weaknesses of additive manufacturing as well as opportunities for user involvement were examined in light of existing literature, while a quantitative survey was used to measure the factors that influence consumer 3D (three-dimensional) printing adoption. Conclusions The research showed 3D printing use of consumers is positively influenced by the technology having benefits for consumers, easy-to-use products and support being available, and 3D printing products having a good value. Consequently, these factors help consumers to co-create or co-design products with companies or utilise 3D printing in entrepreneurial capacity.

Description

Thesis advisor

Grinsted, Susan

Keywords

additive manufacturing, 3D printing, user involvement, consumers, co-creation

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Citation