Concerns

Why don’t you allow all users to view the supporting files?
We do not allow users to view or capture the data because the supporting files will often contain proprietary information in regards to proportion, size, and the unique characteristics that would be regarded to as intellectual. We want to protect not only your privacy but your ideas as well.
I’m worried someone is going to steal my next BIG IDEA and copy my design what should I do?
The idea of sharing your ideas and enterprising yourself will always have an associated risk. The model of the website is to promote the sharing of ideas and individualism. It would be very unlikely that a third party would attempt to capture your information and then profit from it; this is because of an inherent associated cost. If someone wants to have your table made because he/she really enjoys the look and design of the object they will have to pay the cost associated with manufacturing a given design. The details, such as the supporting file for your design do not need to be included in your submission. Your support files will NEVER be available to another user. We along with all users have a vested interest in protecting one another. For instance; if your design becomes a favorite and a third party attempts to monopolize on your design they are not only affecting you but everyone who’s efforts have been involved. That’s a lot of people who are interested in protecting the intellectual property of each other. If you do discover a fraudulent misrepresentation you may provide a detailed description and contact us at badcitizen[at]designdemocracy08.com, subject line: BAD CITIZEN. You must include your full name, valid email address, telephone contact information, and user name in the email. You must identify only one representation per email. Any abuse or misrepresentations regarding false claims will result in termination of a users account. After an investigation the issue will be resolved.
Is this a competition, I mean the whole idea of making pieces of furniture for the ICFF? It sounds like there is going to be winners announced?
No, this is not a competition; this is a symposium and a yearlong event to promote a better, healthier, more sustainable way to make products. The products that will be chosen for the International Contemporary Furniture Fair will be based upon a wide variety of criteria. Context Furniture and industry experts along with the dd08 user-ship will attempt to identify designs that demonstrate not only good design sensibility but also design that illustrate mass customization and sustainable forward thinking within product design. We are also looking for designs that challenge our assumptions and require our own critical thinking. Yes, we will be giving the pieces to the individuals who designed the pieces as a thank you for their efforts and participation. We want the world to change and providing a free service to someone for his or her idea seems like the right thing to do. (No we will not continue to do it for free, we just cannot do it.) We are also committed to representing all of the DD08 users that is why we continue to use language that everyone will be represented at the ICFF, but we just have not decided how we are going to do this exactly : )
Would you ever sell my design?
We will absolutely not sell your design to a third party, because it and its copyright belong to you. However, there is the future possibility of licensing your design for sale, if mutually desirable. That process would involve setting the terms of an arrangement with royalties and fees payable to you, the owner. You can sell your design, manufacture on your own, etc. at any time you choose with whomever you choose however you choose. For more information on the licensing agreements and royalty fees check back here as new features become available.
Will you sell any of my personal information?
No. Your privacy is very important to us. As new features are added to the content of the website transactions are entirely possible, you the user will ultimately have control over how you, your information and your content are handled. It is important to note that we are creating a symposium and a public venue for individuals to share and exchange ideas. How information migrates through different channels of communication can only be know as time moves forward. You can view the Design Democracy ‘08 privacy below.