3D printing technologies

a third wave perspective

Deborah Lupton

pp. 89-104

in: Michael Filimowicz, Veronika Tzankova (eds), New directions in third wave human-computer interaction I, Berlin, Springer, 2018

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a novel digital technology that has gathered momentum and public recognition over the past few years. In this chapter, I examine the sociocultural and political dimensions of 3D printing technologies. I begin with an overview of the third wave human-computer interaction (HCI) approach to digital technologies and contributions made by social and cultural theory that are relevant to understanding the broader contexts of 3D printing technologies and how they are represented, discussed and experienced. This is followed by a discussion of the sociotechnical imaginaries that animate speculations about their possibilities and the agential capacities identified by research investigating the lived experiences of those who have tried using these technologies. The chapter ends with some brief reflections on future research directions.