I like DIY. I like the idea of designing tools. I think there is a place for that, but I also agree with the Chef analogy. Anyone can cook, most do, but there are a ton of restaurants. Some because of the quality of the chef, some because of the convince.
music is another good example. I can go buy a guitar tomorrow and with enough hard work and interest, I might even make it.
Access to tools allows a wider participation pool, but does not mean people will be satisfied with their own products from those tools.
from your blog:
At the moment though, I have one trick up my sleeve - I can use CAD, to design a product and to communicate that design to the means of production, in a way that no non-designer can.
if all you have to offer is pushing CAD, you aren’t embracing the role of a designer. CAD is just a tool, just like sketching, model making, drafting, a RP machine or a laser cutter or a awesome Jeston-instant-anything-microwave thingie.
Its important to adapt, don’t over estimate the importance or longevity of any one tool.
I hope craftsmanship and individuals take over production, replacing the era of mass production. As CAD evolves it may look less like the keyboard, mouse, menu-driven crap we have to deal with now. Maybe much more like being a woodworker, sculptor, artist, etc.
RP is one possible path to get there, but so is a collapse of the oil economy (I’m betting our future leaders are Amish).
ps:
BTW, the shining light example the whole world uses to praise design, Apple , is the exact opposite of open, collaborative, user-tweak-able.