The recent Pro Feature on Instructables.com that allows a user to order a 3D Print with a click is great. So great in fact, that I think that Quirky.com should consider something similar for their 2.0 version of the company.
“But that makes no sense.” they’ll say. “The only place for 3DHubs in the Quirky ecosystem is to provide prototypes of user ideas for a more refined submission to the process.” they’ll also say.
Well, I think it is high time we revisit the entire Consumer Product paradigm. With this magical additive manufacturing technology, physical objects have lost a certain element of physicality and become figuratively “softer”… stay with me now. We no longer have to play by the old rules and I think we should look to the software market for direction. If you think of a consumer product as an “App” you can apply the LITE and PRO model.
For example:
The PRO item would be massed produced and available at classic retail locations. It would have the refined material, look and advanced functionality of a classic consumer product.
The LITE version of the same product would have 3DP limitations of material/materials, finish and limited functionality. However, the LITE would have the bonus features of customization in color, material and custom elements like letters or decoration. The option of locally sourced and made of recycled material also adds value to the LITE concept.
Some mutual benefits:
-3D Hubs could have a vetted library of useful consumer products for their community members to offer customers which means more “sales” for Quirky.
-Both brands could be strengthened through buzz and community growth.
-More consumer products could be manufactured locally.
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I can only agree with this 
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