[1] This is a concept closely aligned to co-design and co-creation, and has been proven to result in more innovative solutions than traditional consultation methodologies.
[2] Eric von Hippel[3] and others[4][5][6] observed that many products and services are actually developed or at least refined, by users, at the site of implementation and use.
Often, user innovators will share their ideas with manufacturers in hopes of having them produce the product, a process called free revealing.
According to Tuomi,[8] key uses are often unintended uses invented by user communities that reinterpret and reinvent the meaning of emerging technological opportunities.
In addition to free exposure, designers are provided monetary incentives including a $2,500 base award as well as a percentage of T-shirt sales.