Customers are involved in the creation process of products, providing flexibility in selection and customisation
This model may leverage mass customisation, typically by offering a variety of modules to be added to a core component of the product. Customers select modules and respective variations (e.g. colour) that collectively form the end product
3D printing technologies may also be adopted for this model, in which 3D models can be printed on-demand as a visual mock-up or prototype, or as the end product itself
bUSINESS IMPLICATIONS
Retailers need to balance production costs and economies of scale with the amount of customisation that is allowed
Important for retailers to develop a robust product returns policy
3D printing enables reduction in time required for strategy and product design, allowing retailers to respond faster to consumer feedback and trends
As 3D printing eases the imitation of products, retailers may need to be mindful of infringing intellectual property rights of others, and protecting that of their own
relevant sub-sectors
Consumer Electronics
Jewellery & Timepieces
Fashion & Sporting Goods
Furniture & Household
For the Jewellery & Timepieces sub-sector, current models exist for timepieces; however, this is not yet prevalent for jewellery.