context

Creating a welcoming innovation center

Sears think[box] is an amazing place to explore your creative side, build out an idea, or collaborate with a team. At 50,000 sq. ft., it is an engineer's paradise with manufacturing and rapid-prototyping facilities. 

Majority of users in think[box] are engineers or people with technical backgrounds. It is common for "non-engineers" to ask "engineers" to assist with projects in think[box] or guide them on a tour due to the intimidation of the space and tools. As an innovation space open to the public, interdisciplinary work and opportunities for people of all backgrounds is essential. 

The project goal was to increase first-time users into think[box] and reduce the fear of using a "makerspace."

the program

Piloting “think[box] tuesdays”

I organized a pilot workshop series in the summer of 2016.  The pilot tested 4 different workshops that had food, music, and an introductory project. I designed projects that required no prior experience, encouraged creativity, created community, and exposed people to a variety of topics. 

Each week highlighted creative resources on campus and across Cleveland. 

Results

Each week, we measured the number of workshop attendees and percentage of first-time visitors. 

Quantitative analysis shows, activities that utilized machines had higher attendance rates, and qualitative analysis shows these activities better reduced fear of using think[box], however these required additional staffing resources. 

This project turned into a permanent series of workshops called "How to think[box]."