Small Footprint Makerspace - Honours Project Critical Justification
How might we assist those who don’t have access to workshop tools carry out their creative dreams?
Objectives of the project
Provide a way for anyone to make their physical projects in the relatively small space
Is light weight in order to be transported around the home and to other locations
Is adaptable, allowing for different tools to be accessible to users
Includes sturdy and robust workable space to make objects on
Adopts no permanency to the space it is used
Research
Thorough research was essential to understanding the needs and circumstances of the user. I conducted macro research into rental considerations, commercial makerspace costs and residential noise limits. Understanding the reasoning of user decisions highlighted project implications.
Gathering knowledge and information using inquiry based techniques. Bodystorming how much space basic hand and power tools take up, minimum workable space allowed me to define a foot print for the project.
For the user, I created personas to gain specific information from those who would use the product.
Buy or rent?
Another question I had to answer through research was whether users would rather buy or rent tools. It became apparent through interviews that hand tools would rather be owned and power tools would rather be rented.
Interview Personas
Part of micro research is gathering very specific information from those who know the making process at different levels. The knowledge gained from this process can significantly help the product develop into a mature, thought out solution. These interviews cover a range of different people. Their disciplines range from design students through to department managers. Having the range gave a greater scope of the objects people make and the tasks they do which require tools.
The final concept
Maker is a Makerspace which is portable, adaptable and accessible to anyone with the desire to make. It can be used as a single drawer, double drawer or as a complete workshop.
Bench mounted or free standing, there is a configuration for anyone.
Applications are the easiest and most accessible way to have customers order and tailor their Makerspace. Users can order any configuration of the Maker from this application and have it delivered to their door. They can also browse through the large range of tools which can be installed in their Makerspace. The app can then be used to return the Makerspace and register any damages.