Makerspace: A novel approach to creative learning

Abstract

Today there is a growing enthusiasm for the potential of makerspaces in providing engineers with opportunities for innovation and sparking creativity to improve student's ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints. The objective of this study is to explore this novel approach in delivering design courses for students in product design track. This innovative approach shifts the active learning strategies from Do-It-Yourself to Do-It-With-Others culture. Results from a design studio 3 course show the benefit of working in makerspace environment in terms of enhancing the design and innovation, re-evaluating strategies and methodologies used in the course learning process, and the benefit of using SolidWorks and 3D printer applications to accelerate the learning process through virtual product realization.