In this age of the Maker Movement, resources for those interested in making have grown. With that, so have makerspaces. A makerspace is a place where people who are interested in working to create something come together to learn from each other, share resources, and build their projects.
While in the past these spaces could have been informal like a community center or classroom, recently we have seen an uptick in these formalized spaces. Specifically for makers, these spaces are great for when you are in the product development stage or prototyping. These spaces have resources and supplies, like CAD or the Adobe Suite, that can help you figure out your idea, design it, and physically build your product. Some of these spaces even have advance technology such as 3D printers.
Makerspaces have become so popular that these spaces have become as specific as the products you can make. For example, there are spaces devoted to shoemaking like Brooklyn Shoe Space. Here, entrepreneurs who are looking to make shoes will have all the resources they need to start product development.
Often these spaces have membership dues to use the space, however some allow guest passes to determine whether or not you want to join.
To put it simply, the end goal of a makerspace is to educate and help those looking to make. Here are 3 reasons to use a makerspace:
Resources
One of the main reasons makers go to makerspaces is because of the resources that they supply. Whether these are resources to help you make your product or simply educate you on the process, they are invaluable to a maker just starting out. Not only that, when you are a member of these spaces, you get all these resources for free.
Two Minds Are Better Than One
When in the product development stage it is often hard to get your thoughts in order. That’s why having someone to talk your idea through is a great resource. When looking at a potential idea it is sometime difficult to face the negatives. Having an open discussion which allows for a devil’s advocate can help your product in the long run. Speaking with someone else will allow you to see your idea from a different perspective.
Sense of Community
However, in my opinion, one of the best reasons to join a makerspace is the sense of community that it fosters. Sometimes as a maker there’s a feeling that you have to hide your ideas away because everyone else is your competition. In makerspaces, the goal is to help everyone improve upon their idea and create the best product they can.
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