Developing a Makerspace
3. Proposal
Develop proposal prior to the initial pitch
Informs potential investors and collaborators on what money and resources are needed
Provide low end, midrange, and high end options
Explain the value of the makerspace
Access to new tools and technology
New learning experiences
Opportunity for collaboration
2. Support
Students express interest and create demand for the space
Faculty and staff to fully support project and act as advisors
Advisors should come from all major schools and disciplines at the university
Administrator(s) to obtain necessary space and funding
1. Needs and Goals
Makerspaces offer a place to collaborate and work on projects
Makerspace should be in a centralized location and easy to access and use for people of all backgrounds
8. Generating Excitement and Increasing Awarenes
Host welcoming events when the space opens and invite local media for exposure
Invite relevant clubs and organizations to use the space
Host events on campus
Create a website or Facebook page
"Pay it Forward" training approach - each person who gets trained to use the makerspace has to train at least one other person, increasing the community using the space
4. Funding
Initial Funding
Project stakeholders are familiar with project and may know of additional funding options in addition to their own contributions
Corporate sponsorship
(obtain permission from Deans and upper administration)
Start a Kickstarter campaign
Request funding from Venturewell
Hold a fundraiser
Charge entrance fees at workshops and evetns
Sustainability
Budget for repairing and replacing items down the line
Start small and grow based on demand and usage
5. Space Management
Who will manage the space
A faculty member must be liable for the makerspace
Faculty, Graduate Assistants, student workers, or volunteers can provide day-to-day management
Using the space
Users must have proper training on safety and usage
Access times can be determined with the makerspace staff and in accordance to university rules
RFID door scanners can be used to allow and track access
Other procedures to consider
Opening/Closing procedures
Reporting and fixing broken machinery
Ordering new supplies
6. Equipment and Resources
Resources often already exist on campus, so create partnerships with other departments to use their equipment
Necessary equipment and resources
3D printer
Laser engraver
Sewing machine
Vinyl cutter
Soldering equipment
Microcontroller library
Prototyping supplies
fire extinguisher
Fume hood for soldering
7. Gathering Empirical Data
Empirical data shows stakeholders concrete evidence that a project is needed and wanted
Ways to gather information
Emailing list
Facebook page
Surveys
Reach out to clubs
Host competitions