Mass Customization in the Age of AI: A Conversation with Frank Piller.

The article explores the concept of mass customization and its current status. It discusses the challenges faced by mass customization in the past and how new technologies, such as the internet, have helped overcome these obstacles. However, the article also acknowledges that mass customization has not scaled in many consumer markets due to resistance from established companies, a lack of real consumer demand, and difficulties in innovating business models. The article explores different types of customization and the role of influencers and distributed manufacturing in changing the landscape of mass customization. It also discusses the potential impact of mass customization on various industries, highlighting the use of AI, generative algorithms, flexible manufacturing, 3D printing, and smart products. The authors emphasize the need for companies to develop organizational capabilities to effectively implement mass customization. Overall, the article suggests that mass customization has the potential to bring together diverse communities and drive innovation and growth. [Extracted from the article]