If you’ve been to your local hackerspace/makerspace and noticed there weren’t many woman, did you stop to wonder why? Unfortunately a common reaction is to think, “I guess women just aren’t into hacking or building stuff.” As one of the few female directors of a U.S. makerspace, I know this just isn’t true. Here’s my perspective on the problem and what can be done about it.
Face it, you may never have all the tools you want or need. Some may be too big and heavy to fit inside your home or workspace, others too expensive or infrequently needed to make sense. Makerspaces, however, give makers access to those less-than-convenient tools to build projects that might otherwise be impossible.
Anything is possible with the right mix of brains and brawn. And we all know that when we get together with our best buds, things often take a hilarious turn towards the ludicrous. Some of the oversized, outlandish projects coming out of makerspaces prove just how true — and fun — that is.
Makerspaces aren’t just a good source of camaraderie and hobby level one-off projects. They also occasionally create and manufacture pro-level consumer products and services. Here are a few notable items that you can purchase, which have come from makerspaces around the country.
So you’re going to rally your local makers into a collaborative, community-based workplace. You’ll need a location ranging from a mobile pop-up stored in your van to an 80,000-square-foot warehouse. You’ll need tools, which can be borrowed from members, donated by sponsors, or purchased. You’ll need a business plan.
Home of the three-time Power Racing Series champions, Sector67 is a well-organized hackerspace near the state capitol in Madison, Wisconsin.
What makes a makerspace interesting? Itʼs not just the size of the shop or the number of active members. Nor is it the selection of tools. Sure, those pieces count, but itʼs how a makerspace slots into its community — elevating and inspiring the makers — that makes it stand out.
