devicemaking
Devicemaking is the process of designing, developing, and producing tangible devices that perform a defined function. It encompasses hardware engineering, mechanical design, electronics, embedded systems, and often embedded software. The term covers both consumer electronics and specialized equipment, as well as straightforward DIY projects that result in a physical product.
Core activities include ideation, feasibility assessment, concept design, prototyping, component sourcing, and testing. Engineers use computer-aided
During development, teams create a bill of materials (BOM), assembly instructions, and verification plans. Iterative design
Manufacturing considerations cover production planning, supplier management, quality control, and scaling from prototypes to mass production.
Ethical and environmental concerns include energy efficiency, recyclability, and responsible disposal. Data privacy and security are
Open source and open hardware communities promote shared designs and collaborative refinement, often under permissive licenses.
Devicemaking intersects engineering, design, and user experience, supported by makerspaces, incubation programs, and standard interfaces that