4. Mass Customization

An integrated way of thinking as well as the necessary theory is presented for the development of design methods for lean production of mass customized things. Mass customization reunites mental with manual work and gives the means of production back to users. In a mass production factory, the capitalist separation of mental labour from manual labour is seamlessly connected to specific capitalist relations of production. These relations are characterized by the separation and alienation of the immediate producer from the means of production. In contrast, in the factory of mass customized products, the abolition of capitalist relations is a prerequisite and must be replaced by new meta-capitalist relations which will be supported by knowledge, free will and access of producers to the means of production. Knowledge is the result of a process during which through the activation of a specific mechanism leads to the creation of new consciousness. This takes place mainly through the interaction of the user and the topos which will implement the wish. The theory is illustrated via an example from the furniture industry.