The Boston Globe: Manufacturers Learn from Users' Creativity
Apr 19, 2005, 17:30 (0 Talkback[s])
(Other stories by Robert Wiseman)
[ Thanks to Jason
Greenwood for this link. ]
"When Lego Mindstorms made their debut in 1998 after a lengthy
product development cycle, Lego marketing officials were surprised
to discover that the robotic toys were popular not only with
teenagers but with adult hobbyists eager to improve on them.
"Within three weeks of their release, user groups had sprung up
and tinkerers had reverse engineered and reprogrammed the sensors,
motors, and controller devices at the heart of the Mindstorms
robotic system -- and sent their suggestions to Lego. The company,
at first uncertain how to respond, ultimately incorporated user
ideas..."
Complete Story
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