I’ve collected a few places where you can learn more about mass customization/ personalization:
Directories:
milkorsugar.com -an international directory of customized products. Not completely comprehensible yet and not very easy to search through, but fun to browse. Use it as a discovery tool
configurator-database - literally a database of all places that let you configure something. Really helpful if you’re looking for something specific
egoo (Germany only for now)- a magazine and directory about customized and personalized products in Germany. The only comprehensive directory I know of, and moreover, the only magazine I know of that really doesn’t miss anything. This is kind of a secret, but you might soon be able to read it in English and US products… more soon
Blogs:
Well, you found this one, so that’s good :)
Prof. Piller’s Blog - you can’t ignore this one. It has all the important events in the mass customization space, and Prof. Piller looks at the scene in general with some great, evaluative comments. He has a broader view on mass customization, including also some of the concepts related to the traditional idea of “design your own” portals
Anita Windisman’s Blog - this is a fun way to learn about new personalization and design-your-own products with witty commentary and thoughtful reviews. Anita also has a special thing for personalized marketing - e.g. campaigns that integrate you in the experience
Dave Gardner’s Blog - takes a more traditional look at Mass Customization as a Manufacturing principle, and does a great job explaining it to large companies
The Treehouse Logic Blog - Treehouse Logic is a technology provider for customizers who want to become mass customizers, and they do a great job explaining on their blog what your website should look like to create a good experience for your customer
Made for One - Another blog on the topic with blog entries on some specific customizers.
Recent Articles on the subject:
Chris Cameron at Read Write Web has been on top of the trend in the US - read his article “Mass Customization Round Up” that summarizes some of his articles AND has good tips on what books to check out. He also covered the 500 Customization study here.
The (famous) New York Times article highlighting Blank-Label - great case study
Mashable collected some cool examples of mass customization.
People:
LinkedIn Group - Check out this LinkedIn Group if you want to connect with customizers. I’m managing the requests to this group and will keep the scope narrow - you might have to tell me what your connection to mass customization is.
Twitter Lists - @efader has a mass customization list, and I have one as well
Other:
“Design Your Own” Facebook Page - For everyone to connect who “likes” Design Your Own”. Spread the word and it will become a vibrant community!
