This is where I wanted to be when it was all over. A snap tight, screw tight combo model kit with amazing customization options, available in a myriad of colors, textures, and with the advent (and affordability) of 3D printing technology - a mix of materials as well.

 

Part retail, part open-source, Sproo would allow the user to create new shapes and add them to an ever-expanding inventory. Of course, Sproo would work great with licensed properties, but all you really need is creative license.

The early concept stage - a low poly model I split in Rhino 3D to get the idea of how far custom pieces could be pushed. I lost the "Mod Otaku" communication platform early on.

 

I tried to think of the most obvious places to split the figure not only in terms of manufacturing ease, but where a modeler would be most likely to require a division.

I used Sensable / Geomagic / 3D Systems Claytools Software / Haptic input device to take a Poser Model, exported as an .obj, tweaked in Rhino 4 then exported as an .STL, and finally cut, thickened and shelled the best I could.

The goal of the assembly is not really the same as conventional modelmaking: its not about patience, exactitude, and dexterity, but rather where would an enthusiast want to customize his or her figure? What's the best place to make a character shorter? fatter? stout?

This ridiculous color scheme shows how the base body, ProtoNorm v1, can do a lot of heavy lifting in the initial design of your custom figures

recognize where these dudes are going?

I used Rhino and Claytools to create mold cups that I could easily pour moldmaking rubber into

To my surprise, as a first time modeller and engineer, it worked! (mostly)

The Thesis Exhibition booth - nothing fancy, just a trade show booth like you might see at Chiller Con or San Diego Comic Con

Concept for stage 2: playsets. Customizable patterns and die cuts you can print at home or mail away for

The Brand Position.