Check out this new open-source software prototype, allowing user-generated designs to be fabricated and shared.

The idea is simple: using the SketchChair software, sketch an outline of your chair, the software will automatically generate a feasible structure, which can then be tested using a physics engine. Brilliant!  As well as this 'Basic' method, the software allows more sophisticated manipulation of the chair (see pic below), allowing for such designs as the Verner Panton homage chair pictured above.

This from Greg Saul, and Tiago Rorke of Diatom Studio:

SketchChair is a free, open-source software tool that allows anyone to easily design and build their own digitally fabricated furniture.

The goal for this project is not just to complete the software and release the source code, but also to build an online community of people creating, sharing and editing designs.
As you interact with the tool, it generates the cutting pattern for your design, which can then be sent to a digital fabrication machine.

A physics engine tests the stability of the chair, allowing you to ensure that the chair will stand and comfortably support you.

Looks like a fantastic idea, and timely, given the increasing popularity of digital fabrication services like Ponoko being readily availablen, what this software offers is a remarkably simple interface for any user to create something, even young children, who Diatom are keen to involve in an educational application of the software.

Have a watch of their introduction video here.

In the public spirit of their project, the project has also been set up on KickStarter, and is doing incredibly well. Because the project is still in a prototyping phase, you can support the project by making a monetary pledge, which will also get you some goodies depending on your generosity.  I have no doubt we'll be seeing this project advance, it will be fascinating to see exactly what else, and how else, more advanced digitally fabricated projects like these can become.


The software can be toggled between 'basic' and 'expert' interface, for more advanced design experiments.

Flat-pack to' in-home' construction. Easy.

A pretty elegant outcome I reckon.

Diatom flex the software for variation...

Some crisp mini-prototypes.


Best of luck to the lads, who studied in Wellington no less. Choice.