We are entering the age of the Makerspace. A disruptive product and service that will help to bring about the “new industrial revolution.” Innovative and cutting edge new products will not be limited to large corporate entities with large budgets, but will occur at smaller collaborative multidisciplinary spaces. Manufacturing jobs that were shipped offshore because it was cheaper to manufacture will slowly return due to technological advances such as 3D Printing.
A makerspace, which also goes by other names such as hackerspace and Fab Labs, is simply a place that provides members with tools and equipment to create, invent, learn, collaborate, and have fun. It is the merging of various disciplines such as art, crafts, and engineering for building things that would be difficult for an individual working alone.
According to the California Research Bureau “makerspaces are not your parents’ woodshop classes. Yesterday’s routers and planers have been replaced with laptops, laser cutters, Arduino open-source electronics platforms, 3D printers and even bookbinding machines. The Internet provides the means for makerspaces to share project ideas and blueprints. Makers can take advantage of new technology while working independently or together. Some makerspaces are general interest while others specialize in robotics or engineering. Some are geared toward all ages, while others team students and mentors in an afterschool setting.”
Metro locations, such as California and New York, which contain a diverse and large population, will be a hotbed of innovation, which will give birth to a new technological Gold Rush that will help to spawn this new economic growth. One of the most important aspects of makerspaces, however, will be the rekindling of hands on learning and self-improvement; the type of skills that once was developed in traditional shop classes.
Makerspaces are relevant for all ages and skill levels. It is a service that if marketed properly can gain large memberships across the country. One issue, however, that many spaces are encountering is the inability to generate enough revenue to pay monthly bills.
In order to be successful, a makerspace has to focus on certain things such as:
- Having reasonably priced fees. Reasonable will be relative for the location and type of equipment/services offered.
- Having a variety of equipment and materials to allow a maker to build anything or focus on a specialized niche.
- Creating a comfortable, clean, and inviting environment.
- Building a layout that encourages collaboration/learning from others.
- Providing great quality classes that can transform a novice into an expert.