MAKING THE MOST OF MAKERS: AN EXPLORATION OF THE NEED FOR A PROTOTYPING TOOL FOR COMPANIES TO ENGAGE WITH THE MAKER MOVEMENT

Abstract Makers have proven to be skilled at prototyping and therefore present a unique opportunity for companies, who seek to improve their capabilities, to learn from them. In this study, a mixed methods approach was used to understand possible benefits to both companies and makers from collaborating in prototyping, and to identify a set of design considerations to guide the future development of a tool to facilitate such collaboration. Despite challenges to collaboration, a tool designed to help companies engage with makers in prototyping could be beneficial to both and should be developed.