Makerspaces have proved to be useful and effective in many ways. It is a place where you can unleash your creativity and come up with great ideas. However, the idea of building a makerspace (that is truly effective) is easy said than done. There are plenty of considerations and challenges in the process of creating a makerspace lab.
With this being said, here are few potential challenges you should consider before making the big leap.
Money Matters!
The list of challenges in building a makerspace begins with money. You cannot create a makerspace without sufficient money. With respect to space and supplies, you need to invest a good deal of money. The cost depends on many factors. Most of the time, it depends on the technology choices, equipment, theme and resources of your makerspace. Above all, the expenditures are bound to increase with time. For instance, when your makerspace is for both school and public visitors, the initial purchases will be used, worn, damaged and even broken. Conversely, you should bear the cost of replacing, maintaining and buying new components. To build a successful makerspace, you must improve your budget and financial options all the time.
People Matters!
You cannot execute a makerspace without the right kind of support. Staffing plays a vital role in the maintenance and growth of these spaces. Unfortunately, it is difficult to sufficiently staff a makerspace. In many cases, you will find a single person handling the entire area. When compared to an ordinary library or playschool, makerspaces need talented and dedicated staff.
In addition to people who can handle the makerspace, you need members who can make your venture famous. Your staff should be great in promoting and making connections. Otherwise, your makerspace wouldn’t be a hit in the region.
Engineering makerspaces are new, and can be quite puzzling. That is why you should train your staff. Make use of supervision models that are both creative and productive. Remember, the staff are responsible in providing the right opportunities to your young visitors. Nevertheless, training comes with a broad range of challenges. It needs people who can handle the steep, and never-ending learning curve.
Maintenance, Cleanliness and Noise!
Last but certainly not the least, it is quite difficult to maintain a clean makerspace. By default, makerspace labs are creatively messy places. Maker tasks can break your equipment, and expensive furnishings. This is something you should be prepared to cope up with!