Product Development By The People, For The People

Quirky is a site/service that allows people to submit designs for new product concepts. If visitors like the idea, they can then commit to buy the product. Once a certain number of people commit, the product will go into development and production. The site also relies on its community to help out with making decision throughout the development process. Similar models such as GroupOn (a site that offers exclusive deals to people once a certain number have signed on) or Channel 101 (a video site that user created sitcom pilots are either greenlit or killed depending on user interest). This business model of true public involvement seem more and more common, especially with Americans part owners of banks, car companies, etc.