I have a feature that I think would improve the convenience of the Bill of Materials that MakerWorld already has. There are many models out there that have different versions within the model page, and often times that means buying different parts depending on which version you print. Makers have to be very clear about this, and it can often lead to confusion for the end users.
I have a Cyberbrick model that I am near to posting that is a good example of this. It is a tank that has two swappable weapons that can be attached to the rotating gimbal on top of it. The base of the tank stays the same, but the two weapons require different parts. Some users would choose one weapon, some the other, and some both. If I were to post using alternate BOMs, I would post 1) Tank + Weapon A, 2) Tank + Weapon B, and 3) Tank + Weapons A and B.
I would suggest that MW use the same general UI it already has, while allowing to switch tabs in the BOM to the correct option. Creators would have to clearly label what each variation means, but that would take much less communication than explaining what to buy in the description/instructions. This would be similar to how many Cyberbrick models in Makers Supply offer “with remote” or “without remote” options, like this one.
Another good example of this is @MaKim’s Relic Rush board game. Since the model has surged in popularity (rightfully so!), the game now has it’s own Makers Supply page. The model has a chorded version and a remote version, both of which are options to purchase on the page. This is highly convenient for the end user, and displays the sort of spirit behind this feature request.
A good non-Cyberbrick example is this Starry Night Vase, which could use alternate BOMs for it’s 4-color, 5-color, and 7-color variations.
Many models, however, will not reach Makers Supply which is why I think this should be introduced in some form into MakerWorld’s BOM section.
Thank you for reading! I hope this helps to improve on the already great experience!
