Nascent Objects' platform is a system for consumers to build and design their own gadgets. But it also aims to help users design and prototype products with far less fuss or cost than traditional prototyping methods. In essence, as WIRED writes, it's about reducing waste for the entire hardware lifecycle.

That fits the Facebook outfit that Nascent Labs is being placed in: Building 8. The DARPA-like projects facility was created earlier in the year, while the social giant lured prominent advanced projects lead Regina Dugan away from Google back in April to head it. Building 8 focuses on quickly prototyping new products, which will likely couple with Facebook's massive new 22,000-sq ft Menlo Park facility, Area 404, to produce new hardware. Shortly after news broke of the acquisition, Dugan posted this video on her Facebook page offering a peek into how Nascent works: