A collection of 3D-printed Barbie armor is now made available to girls and boys who have always dreamed of making the iconic doll more badass. Although Mattel is introducing a slew of new roles for Barbie, the latest being an entrepreneur, this 3D-printed Barbie armor encourages more traditionally imaginative narratives in an untraditional way.
Created by 3D designer Jim Rodda, his 3D-printed Barbie armor made headlines back in March when he launched a Kickstarter campaign. Since then, he has added a third costume and dubbed the entirely collection the Faire Play Battle Set. The Verge reports, "Rodda is selling the files to print your own copies under a Creative Commons license for $29.99, and is encouraging people to build upon his original designs."
3D-Printed Barbie Armor (UPDATE)
The Faire Play Battle Set by Jim Rodda is Made Up of Three Suits
Trend Themes
1. 3D Printing Toys - The trend of 3D-printed toys is disrupting the traditional toy manufacturing industry and provides new opportunities to create customizable and unique toy designs.
2. Feminist Reinterpretation of Traditional Toys - The trend of creating feminist interpretations of traditional toys, like the Barbie armor, offers a new market for toy designers and manufacturers to appeal to a wider audience and tackle gender stereotypes.
3. Crowdfunding of Toy Designs - The trend of crowdfunding toy designs, like Jim Rodda's Kickstarter campaign for the Faire Play Battle Set, presents a new avenue for toy designers to raise capital and test the market for their innovative ideas.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - The toy manufacturing industry can benefit from incorporating 3D-printing technology to create customizable and unique toys for consumers.
2. Technology - The technology industry can invest in developing 3D-printing technologies to enhance the design and production of toys and other consumer goods.
3. Social Impact - The social impact industry can promote and support the creation of toys, like the Barbie armor, that challenge gender stereotypes and promote inclusivity and diversity in play.