With the consistent evolution of new technologies and the ubiquitous handheld platforms researchers are putting into the hands of ordinary people applications capable of "instant" design. The new Microsoft Research Labs 3D iPhone scanner literally allows for on the fly stitching and rendering of complex objects. The whole technology can be seen here.....
What this means for clients and end consumers is the ability to snap photos, scan, render, send and then manipulate physical objects for the comparison and possible re-engineering into other products. Add the capability of Rapid Prototyping and new products (skins specifically) happen immediately. Companies now have to contend with anyone taking a photo of a competitors tea cup, send it to a Indonesian designer, re-interpret the design, have it produced in China and out to market in 30 days. And there is no slow down in sight
