Makerspaces are collaborative environments that provide local production capabilities to various maker groups. As the makerspaces aim to democratize production for as many people as possible, the accessibility of these spaces is getting increased research attention. This study investigates the potential of makerspaces to make themselves and their tools more accessible through their own means of local production. We applied a research-through-making approach in participatory co-making sessions with participants from a rehabilitation hospital and a university makerspace. Then, the 3D printing experience is analyzed with the use of the harmonised European Standard (EN 301 549) accessibility requirements for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products and services. The findings from co-making sessions revealed three possible levels for ‘hacking’ and improving the accessibility of the (1) maker, (2) interface, and (3) space. On the maker level, hacks focus on aiding the maker personally while they navigate and interact with the makerspace and tools. The interface level would provide the user a connecting and guiding interface in-between different webpages, software, and hardware interfaces. The spatial level for possible hacks would provide the accessibility improvements related to clearances, reach and approach distances when the makers interact with 3D printers inside the makerspace. We argue that the goal of these hacks is to improve the agency and independence of people with disabilities and reduced physical functions, as well as assisting product users by increasing their access to making.

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On the Potential of Co-making Hacks to Improve the Accessibility of Makerspaces

  • Koray Canlar,
  • Julia Miriam Andrea Jacoby,
  • Frode Eika Sandnes

摘要

Makerspaces are collaborative environments that provide local production capabilities to various maker groups. As the makerspaces aim to democratize production for as many people as possible, the accessibility of these spaces is getting increased research attention. This study investigates the potential of makerspaces to make themselves and their tools more accessible through their own means of local production. We applied a research-through-making approach in participatory co-making sessions with participants from a rehabilitation hospital and a university makerspace. Then, the 3D printing experience is analyzed with the use of the harmonised European Standard (EN 301 549) accessibility requirements for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products and services. The findings from co-making sessions revealed three possible levels for ‘hacking’ and improving the accessibility of the (1) maker, (2) interface, and (3) space. On the maker level, hacks focus on aiding the maker personally while they navigate and interact with the makerspace and tools. The interface level would provide the user a connecting and guiding interface in-between different webpages, software, and hardware interfaces. The spatial level for possible hacks would provide the accessibility improvements related to clearances, reach and approach distances when the makers interact with 3D printers inside the makerspace. We argue that the goal of these hacks is to improve the agency and independence of people with disabilities and reduced physical functions, as well as assisting product users by increasing their access to making.