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co • MATTERS is an open design system that empowers curious beginners to experienced makers to create, hack, adapt, and make. Rooted in Open Design principles, it allows anyone to study, modify, or distribute design products. It is a framework that fosters flexibility, inclusivity and circularity.
Open hardware
Open hardware holds a huge potential for collaboration, transparency, and shared-knowledge. It offers a new perspective of how, why, and for whom we design in a time when many global challenges call for new forms of cooperation and care.
However, unlike open-source software, it still faces barriers in accessibility, awareness, and scalability. Even though the core philosophy is shared among its actors, the absence of common frameworks makes the widespread adoption of Open Hardware difficult. Shared ecosystems are needed to connect people, knowledge, tools, and values in a coherent and accessible way. These systems don’t simply invite people to use a design, they invite them to become designers themselves, shaping their environments, communities, and futures, together.
An Open Design system
Based on semi-finished materials and basic tools, the co • MATTERS system invites users to design functional and versatile objects: furniture, tools, structures, or entirely new ideas. More than building things, it’s about building possibilities. Each object is part of a larger ecosystem: it can be disassembled, reconfigured, redesigned, or transformed. Materials can be reused instead of discarded, extending their life and purpose. The system is accessible through an online platform, where users can explore resources, instructions, and shared designs. Designed for personal use, community workshops, or collective making spaces, it supports sustainable practices and creative freedom. It encourages participation and collaboration through open tools, shared knowledge, and accessible methods. co • MATTERS invites everyone to shape their environment, together.
The process
This project was realised during a Master’s thesis in Industrial Design at Lund University, in Sweden. Throughout the project, several prototypes were developed and participatory workshop was conducted. An online platform was also designed to showcase the system and share it.
The exhibition showcases prototypes developed during both the thesis and the participatory workshop.
With my thesis, I tried to address Open Hardware challenges and I want to continue this journey by sharing ideas, connecting with others, and exploring what open design can be.
