Can You DIG it? Designing to Support a Robust Maker Culture in a University Makerspace

Abstract

As makerspaces are increasingly incorporated into mainstream schooling, it has become important to provide educators and administrators with detailed examples of how to support a robust maker culture within those makerspaces so that student participation and learning are maximized. In this design case, we describe our efforts to design for and support a robust maker culture in a university makerspace, the Deason Innovation Gymnasium at Southern Methodist University. Our focus is on designing the space and the learning experiences that happen within the space to promote a maker culture. To do this, we consider three critical elements: (a) encouraging student ownership, (b) fostering a maker mindset, and (c) showcasing student achievements. To illustrate our design decisions and their impact, we present examples of two types of maker-based learning experiences: (a) real-world design challenges and (b) community design and build challenges. We analyze how each type of challenge supported students participating in a maker culture. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of this design case for individuals interested in supporting a robust maker culture in their own makerspaces.