My theory is that this situation is due to two cultural developments. 1) The tinkerer/invetor is not viewed as a heretic anymore. For the most part, innovation is publicly condoned. And 2) Now that tinkerers are condoned by society they have been institutionalized, which means people who aren’t professional designers will get “someone else to do it” for them.

Perhaps the recessionary times will compel more people to return to tinkering now that home budgets are shrinking. When you talk with someone who grew up in the 1930’s, she will say how everyone recycled, reused, and tinkered with what they had before even considering buying something new.

Thanks for the post!