Your car is more than just transportation — it’s a workspace, a storage spot, a lunch table, and sometimes even a place for a quick nap. But between daily commutes and long road trips, small annoyances start piling up: nowhere to put your sunglasses, charging cables turning into a rat’s nest, coins disappearing into seat gaps, or trash collecting in the cup holder.
This challenge is fixing those small but very real frustrations.
Design a 3D printable car accessory that solves a real driving problem — something practical that drivers will actually use, not just something that looks cool.
🚗 Where to Start?
Not sure what to design? Think about those everyday “little annoyances” you run into while driving. Here are some directions to explore (not limited to these):
Filling the Gaps (Small Item Storage & Space Utilization)
Small items like coins, cards, or keys often fall into the gaps between seats and the center console. Consider designs like seat-gap organizers, dashboard trays, or multifunctional cup holder extensions that turn wasted space into useful storage.
Keeping It Clean (Trash & Daily Mess Management)
Whether it’s daily commuting or road trips, car interiors tend to get messy over time. Consider compact car trash bins, tissue holders, or detachable mounts for cleaning tools.
Keeping It Fresh (Vent & Fragrance Accessories)
A stuffy cabin or lingering odors can quickly ruin the driving experience. Try designing air-vent freshener clips, scent diffuser mounts, or fragrance containers that stay stable while driving.
Vehicle-Specific Customization (Fit & Interior Adaptation)
Accessories designed for a specific car model often fit better and work better. Think custom phone mounts, center console organizers, dedicated trash bins, or modular storage systems tailored to a particular vehicle.
🔧 What We’re Looking For
Solves a Real Problem
The best designs make driving easier, cleaner, or more organized. Focus on practical solutions that drivers will actually use.
Print-Friendly Design
Design, printing, and assembly all matter equally. We encourage support-free prints, print-in-place mechanisms, snap-fit assembly, and modular structures. For more complex models, clear and easy-to-follow assembly instructions are highly recommended.
Built for Real Car Conditions
Car interiors can be tough environments, so keep these factors in mind:
- Heat: Direct sunlight can heat interior surfaces to 70°C or more — PLA may soften, so consider PETG, ABS, or ASA.
- Vibration: Driving causes constant movement — designs should stay secure and stable.
- Safety First: Do not design or place accessories in airbag deployment zones.
- Easy Installation: Designs should be easy to install and remove — most drivers prefer to avoid permanent modifications like adhesives or drilling.
