Design, impressão 3D e inovação social: análise de estudos de caso para a definição de diretrizes visando a aplicação em comunidades desfavorecidas

Abstract

This research establishes a relationship between Additive Manufacturing and Social Innovation from the perspective of Design and aims to propose guidelines for incorporating 3D Printing into socially innovative projects, especially in disadvantaged regions. It is characterized as applied in nature, with a mixed-methods approach, exploratory and descriptive in terms of its objectives, and bibliographic. Its procedures include case studies — multiple in number — which were selected for generating 3Dprinted products that create social impact, as well as documentary research. Its instruments are a questionnaire, group session, and audiovisual materials. It is grounded in Design Science Research (DSR) and its product development through Human-Centered Design (HCD), divided into three (3) phases: “Hear,” with assessment of pre-existing knowledge, self-documentation, and the proposal of artifacts to solve a specific problem; “Create,” applying a participatory co-design approach, involving the identification of patterns to extract key insights and transforming ideas into reality by producing prototypes; and “Deliver,” covering the identification of necessary capabilities, artifact evaluation, conducting user testing to assess the applicability of the proposed guidelines and the impact generated, conclusions, and communication of results. As a result, instructions related to technical factors — concerning 3D printers, filaments, and printing settings — and social aspects — about potential partners — were developed to encourage the implementation of initiatives. Additionally, products (a hammer and containers) were developed to benefit a group of cashew workers from Jacaraú, Paraíba, by enhancing comfort and agility.