3DPRINTforAid Launches 3D Printing Design Contest to Help The Needy

We have all seen some pretty amazing competitions emerge, centered around 3D printing. Whether it be a simple contest to design a gift for Mother’s Day, or as Local Motors did a few weeks ago, turn to the public to get ideas on what car they will 3D print in September, each contest we see has been an awesome way to crowdsource a cause.

There really is no bigger cause on this planet than helping the needy. We often take for granted what we have ourselves. Many of you probably are well off enough to at least have an adequate internet connection, likely a decent means to access the internet, and perhaps even a 3D printer. Not everyone is so lucky, but we can all make a difference.

This week, Thingarage, along with MakeTank, ActionAid, Vectorealism and Impact Hub Florence, launched the 3DPRINTforAID contest. The goal of the contest is to reach out to designers around the world for their help in creating a product which can be produced on both low quality, as well as high quality 3D printers. The product must in some way have a social impact on people’s lives, in fulfilling their basic needs. It should be a “tool for social advancement and progress both for poor people in the western world and people in developing countries.”

Thingarage provided the following examples:

“Contestants must be able to produce objects that could help people with handicaps to accomplish their everyday tasks. Or objects that will be functional dealing with essential elements (like food or water) that run low, that must be carried, sanitized or heated up in event of calamities. Contestants creativity will not be limited by any constraint: any designer is free to identify the sector that inspires him/her the most!”

To get started, contestants must register at Thingarage, and complete their profile. From their they will be able to submit up to three different designs. The contest will run from now until September 23rd. The full details and submission guidelines can be viewed here.

On September 25th a team of judges, who represent all five of the contest’s sponsor companies, will evaluate and choose a final winner, based on the following criteria:

• Low production costs
• Maximum functionality
• Social profit
• Design innovation
• Simple feasibility

The winner of the 3DPRINTforAID contest will receive all of the following as a prize:

• Construction of the first prototype of the project, at the expense of the promoters at Vectorealism
• Coverage of travel expenses/accommodation for just one person (Designer or Project Leader) up to a maximum of 200€ to attend the Rome Maker Faire (2 to 4 October 2014)
• Interview and a video on Thingarage, MakeTank and Vectorealism blogs
• Presence in the press releases issued after the Awarding Ceremony

If you think you have what it takes, go get started! Your design, may not only win you an awesome set of prizes, but could better the lives of thousands or even millions of people in need around the globe. If you do decide to enter this contest, please let us know in the 3DPRINTforAID forum thread at 3DPB.com.