Marketplace for
Connecting everyday people to technical creators.
We can all use a 3D printer or custom design tools in our lives. From the little inconveniences to the big inconveniences. They could be solved with the work of a network of creators. This space bridges that gap.
3D Printing technology can play a much larger role in our lives so I wanted to create a way for creative exchange can happen. Here, you can post problems aka design requests, or if you are a designer, your services for others to reach out. All locally.
WHAT is DESIGNED LOCALLY?
Hi, I’m Mario!
I developed DesignedLocally.com to connect everyday folks needing custom designs, parts, made, or have cool ideas, with local 3D designers and people with 3D Printers.
My goal is to create a marketplace where people can find solutions to their everyday design needs, whether it’s fixing a broken part or bringing a new idea to life.
Designed Locally is also a place where the creative community of 3D Printing enthusiasts can show off their designs to the world by posting, not only to their Reddit or Facebook groups, but to people who can benefit from their creations in their own communities.
The WHY
I built DesignedLocally.com to bridge the gap between people with creative ideas or small problems and local 3D designers and other creators who can help solve those issues.
As someone passionate about innovation and the potential of 3D printing, I noticed that people often don’t know where to find custom parts or designs, not to mention even knowing solutions exist to inconveniences. Local designers also struggle to find clients. I wanted to create a platform that makes it easy for both groups to connect. As a CAD designer myself, I feel this is opportunity for growth here.
The world can be a cooler place with the creation of some intersection of the two groups.
The HOW
v1.0 of this platform is built using WordPress with plugins like WP Job Manager to handle listings for design requests and services, and Ultimate Member to manage profiles for users and creators without navigating through a complicated interface. I integrated Contact Form 7 with a custom form submission setup to allow users to post designs to our community blog. One of the biggest challenges was creating a way for users to add listings and interact within them. I employed Better Messages as a way to securely communicate with other members of the community.
With all this, I was able to achieve the necessary flexibility and ability to quickly create a basic platform to validate the project.
WHAT’s NEXT
I’d love FEEDBACK from the community! Whether you’re a designer or someone with a unique problem to solve, I welcome you to explore DesignedLocally.com. My plan is to quickly migrate to a professionally-developed full-stack website as the platform gains momentum, replacing the need for plugins.
If you have suggestions or would like to collaborate, feel free to reach out. Together, we can make 3D Printing more accessible for all.
The Mission, is to one day…
“Create a world where ideas can come to life, bringing innovation and creativity for the growth of communities globally and in doing so, provide a way for any creator to bring ideas to our world.”
Let’s bring ideas to life. Let’s solve problems. Let’s reduce waste. Let’s showcase what’s possible. Let’s connect to create. All locally.
If you want to help grow DesignedLocally, consider Supporting Financially!
How It Works
FIRST, Submit Your Request: Easily outline what you need, (a problem, idea, thoughts) within our posting form.
Creators will reach out to you.
OR:
Reach out to Local Creatives: You can find designers in your area who post their services.
You will reach out to a creator.
NEXT – Work with a Creator: A local designer will work closely with you to bring your vision to life. Both members can send messages through the build-in messaging system within the platform. From there, you can arrange how to complete a given project.
FINALLY – Receive your ready-to-use CAD files, 3D printed part or other design solution, as agreed upon by you and your designer.
Start your project today and see how easy it is to turn your ideas into reality.
A Few Example Requests
“Help me create a custom dog collar tag. On it should say her name, Bonnie, and should slip on her collar which is 1 in. wide and about 1/4 in. thick.”
“My water bottle doesn’t fit on my baby’s stroller. Can you create and ship me something that could work. Please tell me what measurements you need!”
Can someone 3D Print this part I found online? I do not have a 3D printer yet…
“Create a lithophone of my family!“
“For a product I am developing/selling – I will need a custom-designed base made for a set of radio electronics. I will need 100 units in two months.“
“The handle on my new grill broke off. Can someone help me create a new one or design a better handle.”
“I need to create something to hold a 1.5″ Sch. 10 metal pipe while cutting. Help me create a safe solution for this. Thanks!”
“Help! My Samsung Fridge Door Handle Came off. Can this be fixed?“
Join this community of normal folks who want solutions to minor problems.
Marketplace for people to get connected to technical creators to solve everyday problems Post problems design requests or services locally