# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

• Participants critiqued the "unptnt" open hardware project for approaching hardware design like a web 2.0 startup rather than addressing practical manufacturing concerns, highlighting tensions between different approaches to open hardware development.

• The group identified standardization of parts naming and packaging systems as a major challenge for open hardware, noting that adoption would likely come from popular projects using a system rather than from the system itself.

• Several LEGO CAD tools were discussed as potential models for open hardware design, including baseplate.com's minifig creator, LEGO sticker generators, and LeoCAD, suggesting interest in modular design approaches.

• Technical challenges with computational fluid dynamics software installation were explored, particularly with OpenFOAM and OpenFlower packages requiring complex environment configurations.

• Participants referenced MIT's Fab Lab resources, including git repositories at fab.cba.mit.edu containing CAD tools like cad.py, discussing how Fab Labs should be structured for maximum effectiveness.

• Gene proposed creating an "easybake PCR thermocycler" as a beginner fablab project, with suggestions that a RepRap 3D printer could potentially be repurposed for this purpose, demonstrating interest in DIY biotechnology tools.

• The group discussed a potential room temperature quasi-superconductor project, referencing a specific paper from arXiv (http://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/0805/0805.0230.pdf), showing interest in cutting-edge materials science.

• A DARPA grant recipient was mentioned as a potential six-figure investor in the local fabrication space for commercial product prototyping, indicating potential funding opportunities for community fabrication efforts.