Case Study: 3D Printing Office Recorders! Low-Risk Business Viability Assessment

Quickly prototype hardware to reform office communication using 3D printing! Evaluating business viability with an eye towards initial mass production.

Hirable Inc. sells solutions that utilize sound environment analysis technology to improve the quality of communication. A cloud service that objectively visualizes discussions, which are difficult to evaluate quantitatively, has been implemented in various educational settings and corporations, yielding positive results. We utilized DMM for the prototype of new hardware for a service called Bamiel, which aims to "create an office where conversations happen." The prototype is the exterior of a cylindrical recorder with a diameter of about 10 cm. By installing recorders throughout the office and statistically analyzing naturally occurring conversations with dedicated software while protecting privacy, we support the creation of a productive office environment conducive to conversation. The new design prototype was initiated in response to the challenge that existing recorders, primarily used in educational settings, may not fit well in some office environments. Since the sound collection performance subtly changes depending on the shape and structure of the exterior, we are advancing the design by quickly producing various prototypes at DMM. The project is progressing with the assumption of utilizing 3D printing for initial mass production, avoiding large upfront investments like molds in the early stages, thereby enabling not only hardware prototyping but also low-risk business viability assessments.

3D Printer