Maker-what?!
If you’re like me, you probably had no idea what a makerspace was before reading this. Turns out, I’ve actually been designing these spaces all along! A makerspace is a collaborative work area that allows people to come together to share ideas, brainstorm, and share knowledge and/or expertise. This has been a significant movement for several years now however, what’s interesting is that it is gaining popularity amongst other markets. As designers, we are problem solvers – we receive a ‘problem’ from our client and determine the best solution. Often times, makerspaces can or do provide the collaborative solutions our clients so desperately need and have been longing for in their workplace environment.
Any successful business knows it’s important to be forward-thinking and progressive. As designers, we understand this notion and work to provide the spaces required to mirror this recipe for success. Maintaining a progressive business means providing progressive work environments equipped with areas like -tah dah -makerspaces! This is giving our clients the tools to maintain their successful businesses.
In corporate workplace settings, retaining top talent is vital and, by doing so, the employer is best to provide the tools their employees need to be happy and successful. Shiny, happy people holding…the keys to success!
The Facts
If you’ve read my post ‘The Evolution of the Open Office’, you know that open office environments have thrived for several years and are a vital space plan type for most businesses. With that said, open areas like makerspaces promote collaboration and creative thinking. This is one of the successful ways designers are bringing a variety of spaces to this environment type. A variety of spaces means employees have a chance to thrive in an environment that best suits them!
Gallup research has concluded that $450 billion is lost each year in the US due to disengaged employees in the workplace – $450 billion?! That’s beyond huge! As designers, we take these facts to the drawing board (literally) and listen to the demands of today’s businesses. Building a successful culture can only take place when employees have the right places to create and/or manifest their concepts. This then creates a culture that attracts and retains the best of the best!
What kind of makerspace is right for my business?
Before you consider the addition of a makerspace to your workplace, ask yourself a few questions:
First, what exactly is it that your company creates, produces, aspires to create, etc. Hopefully you know the answer to this one but, this says a lot about the type of makerspace that you will need and will ultimately define it’s characteristics like sizing, materials required, technology etc. This could be as simple as a standard lounge layout or may involve several factors like multiple seating arrangements with technology, writing surface, etc.
Second, once you’ve determined the use of your makerspace, storage is another key factor in the success of this vital space type. Depending on what you’re creating, producing, aspire to produce, the type of storage for the makerspace speaks volumes and needs to be considered for its success. The last thing we would want is for materials and equipment to be a cluttered mess in your new makerspace! Lack of storage leads to lack of employees taking advantage of this area.
Lastly, and especially if you consider developing a makerspace with the full gamut of materials, technology, and/or supplies, consider the fact that you may need to dedicate an employee to manage this. This could be a great way to expose an Intern to a new way of working and how to best manage the space.
In it for the long run
Consider this: you’re vying for the next up and comers for your business. The best of the best that have poured their sweat and tears into their college studies to now be released into the ‘real world’. Well, you need to be aware of how they’re used to working too. Most college graduates have been exposed to the makerspace collaboration type during the time of their studies. They’re expecting this to be the case in the workplace too and, trust me, will not be thrilled with the limitations of their workstation all day! 80% of corporate spending goes towards people, salaries, and benefits. PEOPLE being the drivers of your successful business. It’s time to start hearing the needs of your biggest investment and align that with your workplace setting (i.e. Makerspaces!).
An investment in a makerspace ultimately leads to a long-term culture change with the goal of adjusting the workplace to suit your employees and their creativity. The rewards on this investment are innovation and an attractive, buzz-worthy creative culture – two pretty awesome things that most businesses are after! At the end of the day, your creative workforce will enjoy the ability to see their concepts come to life. How do we generate the thinking and harness that spirit and that culture? That’s the question we’re trying to answer with these spaces.
The makerspace in the office can solve one piece of a larger cultural puzzle about your organization: Who are you and where are you going? What will be your lasting impact on the world?
Where is your favorite place to get your work done? Let me know in the comments section below!
