Open design is the application of open source methods to the creation of physical products, machines and systems.^[1] This approach promotes collaboration and sharing, allowing designs to be freely used, modified, and distributed.

For a great introduction see Stallman's essay "Why We Need Free Digital Hardware Designs"

Principles of Open Design

1. Transparency: Designs and processes are openly shared, allowing anyone to contribute, modify, or use them.
2. Collaboration: Encourages collective efforts to improve and innovate on existing designs.
3. Accessibility: Makes design resources available to a wider audience, fostering inclusivity and diversity in creation.

Benefits of Open Design

1. Innovation: Open design fosters innovation through collaborative efforts and diverse input.
2. Cost-Effective: Reduces costs by sharing resources and knowledge.
3. Sustainability: Promotes sustainable practices by reusing and improving existing designs.

Tools for Open Design

• CAD Software: Open-source CAD tools like FreeCAD and OpenSCAD.
• Collaboration Platforms: Websites like GitHub and Wikis for sharing and collaborating on designs.
• CoCreate - CoCreate OneSpace.net is a commercial "internet-based collaboration solution tuned to the specific needs of engineering teams. Clients, suppliers and team members can easily come together for online meetings and project reviews, visualize complex 3D designs and manage project documentation."^[2]

Examples of Open Design Projects

1. Hexayurt Project: A sustainable shelter design freely available for modification and use.
2. RepRap: An open-source 3D printer project that has led to significant advancements in 3D printing technology.
3. STAR-TIDES
4. AT CAD Team

Online Resources and Communities

1. Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA): Provides resources and support for open-source hardware projects.
2. Open Source Ecology: Focuses on developing open-source industrial machines.
3. Open Architecture Network A platform for sharing architectural designs that address humanitarian needs.
4. Open source hardware and design alliance
5. Global Open Science Hardware