How did Shenzhen get so good at making things?

Tom Whitwelltom.whitwell@gmail.com

@tomwhitwell

Digital Mission China 2014

Why Shenzhen?

1978

1982

1982

Shanzhai

Gongban Free / open PCB

design files

Gongmo Open casing

designs

Shanzhai vs

• Steal or borrow before you invent (CC licenses / Open Source)

• Never build before you have a confirmed buyer (Crowdfunding)

• Protect your Guangxi - personal reputation • Innovate to meet customer demand • Optimise for speed and small runs, become

profitable at smallest possible scale

Lean / Open Source Hardware

$27 $0.79

Learning Shenzhen

Digital Mission China 2 !

Shenzhen Maker Faire April 2015

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tom.whitwell@gmail.com @tomwhitwell