Crowdsourcing

Paul posted up about the idea of crowdsourcing ... but I doubt that it works for all products.

Also here in BizWeek Crowdsourcing: Consumers as Creators

Other thoughts:

The quote or comment that comes to mind is "Maximum" Bob Lutz of GM.
Something to the effect that customers have to be shown great cars, cars designed by "car guys"(and girls). Nowdays, with references to prior styling cues and idioms.

This might be pretty close:
Bob Lutz speach at Pratt...
GM FastLane Blog: Lutz Speech on Design:
"You have to come up with the “big idea.” In other words, the big idea has to come from Steven Spielberg, not from the tabulated replies of thousands of moviegoers pouring out of theaters."

Ford gets it (Bob use to be there)
Mustang, GT40
Chrysler seems to have a handle on it, PTCruiser, 300C, Magnum ( later two pre-chopped)

Motorcycles: Ducati's "classic" Paul Smart, and Sport (disclosure, I have a garage full of '70's bikes, most are Ducati's (aka Ducks)
Ducati.com

On to housing
Ask any realtor, and many folks want to buy a house furnished.
They are afraid to decorate (or don't have time/inclination)

Bottom line, it will be interesting if any Crowdsourced design ever makes it into BizWeeks issue of best designs much less on display at the MoMA...