What does an OSHWA certification guarantee?
Only that it’s open source and has the proper licensing to enable the source files to adhere to the Open Hardware definition.
Isn’t there a good reason we have factories producing healthcare items?
Yes, and you should use ISO standard manufacturing facilities when the files state ISO is required. The inte lectual property should not be a reason you don’t use standards and specifications when you should.
Is this anti-regulatory or does it go against well established medical practices?
No! If you need a regulatory process, such as CE, MDEL or FDA, you should use that regulatory process, the inte lectual property should not be a reason you don’t go through a regulatory body when you should. If the project was made in an ISO standard facility, you should use ISO standard manufacturing facilities when the files state ISO is required. The inte lectual property should not be a reason you don’t use standards and specifications when you should.
Is OSHWA making any claims about the safety of Open Healthware?
No, we are only ensuring the things we certify are open source with accessible source and proper licensing.
If I want to help but am not a designer/maker, how can I get involved?
Join discord(s), slacks, LinkedIn discussions, or email us OpenHealthware@oshwa.org, we’d love to hear from you!
Does this mean anyone can change it and mess it up?
Yes! It also means that people could improve and make your project better. If you don’t want your project to change or don’t want to give your baby to someone else, you may not want to do Open Source Hardware.
How do Open Source business models work?
When it comes to open hardware, business models are the same as closed source. There is an IP strategy to be used with open source, but you run your business the same way based on other business models such as service, C2C, B2B, etc.
How do I find Open Healthware projects?
Check out our certification list! You can also find more projects under UBORA’s device list or check out Field Ready’s Accessibility Retrofitting Kit or look at Open Source Medical Supply’s repository.
How can I get people to hear about my device?
OSHWA’s Discord, Open Hardware Summit, Open Healthware Conference, Open Hardware Month Show and Tells, or Certification Round ups.
Why would someone share their hard work?
This changes depending on who you are and what you’re working on. A few benefits of Open Source include innovation, co laborating, and personalization. Designers have a variety of reasons from altruism to funding opportunities. Here’s a great video from our resident engineer Joey Casti lo, he provides a wonderful presentation as to “why we do Open Source”.
What can be changed, what shouldn't be changed, where can I add value?
OSHWA is working on a contributor guide. Stay tuned!
How does liability change if it’s Open Healthware?
Making a product opens you up to various liabilities no matter if it’s open source or closed source. In the US, that we know of, distributing files in itself does not trigger strict product liability laws.
Where can I find a job in Open Source Hardware?
Check out our discord channel!
How do I get involved with other people’s projects?
Typically you would go directly to the project page (not OSHWA) to get involved. However, OSHWA’s discord channels can help people find each other in our community.