Improved digital design database

thingiverse

The Ideal Open-source Digital Design Repository should have several features to ensure its success. It must be completely free and open-source, managed by a non-profit organization that benefits the community. The repository should accept various formats, allow users to post photos and videos, and support scalability. Additionally, it needs to have systematic menus for browsing designs, advanced search options, evolution tracking, innovation review, and rating systems. Other key features include collaboration tools, certification capabilities, geographical use tracking, tool tracking, multilingual support, resource tracking, easy-to-use interfaces, automatic imports, social networking, digital-hardcopy tie-ins, and no advertising. The design should also allow for designer flagging, requesting designs, specifying print settings, and offer a well-documented RESTful API. MakerBot could consider spinning Thingiverse off as a non-profit organization to regain public trust. Finally, the new repository should retain features that Thingiverse got right, such as design uploads, STL rendering, image icons, cross-tagging, search and browse functions, tie-ins to derivatives, easy licensing options, commenting on designs, tracking user contributions, tool and social networking integration, and QR codes. Feel free to add more ideas in the comments section. The list of requirements was compiled with input from various sources, including Thingiverse users and forum participants.