A lot of fab lab researchers, designers and artists use Apple Macintosh computers in their daily lives. So what does it take to run a fab lab on Macs? We established Germany’s first Fab Lab in December 2009, and we are striving to run it using an all-Mac environment. We’d like to share what we learned, and find out how others are doing.

- Prof. Jan Borchers, RWTH Aachen University

however, by commenting on this page your offer has been noted. further, when registering for the conference, you’ll be able to state your contribution there.

/ pt

How does one sign up to run a workshop? I left a comment yesterday but it somehow got lost..

If people are interested in a workshop on electronics for (or introducing electronics to) beginners, I’d be happy to run such a workshop with Modkit (http://modk.it/software) and fablab built arduinos.. We’ve also been developing some solderless electronic kits called Crimp Cards (http://modk.it/hardware/speakercard) that can be made on the laser and vinyl cutters.. They are released along with instructions under a creative commons license so that other labs can use them in workshops and I’d be happy to introduce those as well..

Best,
Ed

It’s Ed from the Boston lab.. Where do I sign up as a workshop leader? If people are interested in a workshop on electronics (or teaching electronics) for beginners, I would be happy to run one..

One of the biggest challenges our lab has had since opening over six years ago has been lowering the barrier to building with electronics.. After meeting and talking to many of you over the years, I understand we were not alone in this challenge..

Modkit is the result of our work to address this challenge.. The Modkit visual code editor (http://modk.it/software) was heavily inspired by Scratch (http://scratch.mit.edu) and works with any Arduino (http://arduino.cc) compatible board including those that can be made in Fab Labs for about $5US.. We are also developing electronic kits (http://www.modk.it/hardware/speakercard) which can be built with the tools in the average fab lab.. These kits are released under a creative commons license so other labs can create them for use in workshops..

I’m excited to share this work with the rest of the network..

Thanks,
Ed

your proposal is already being scheduled in / Peter

Description:

A Fab Lab is not only a fabrication resource, it can also be seen as a (complex) service to Fab Labs users.  As such, the Fab Lab is much more than a place to make (almost) anything — it is an *experience* to make (almost) anything.  Currently in business, people are associating “design thinking”, the “Internet” and Web 2.0, open innovation and collaborative structures with the topic of “service design”.  Design thinking, Internet, open innovation and collaborative structures are equally some of the core ingredients of a Fab Lab.
This workshop will combine these core ingredients to look at how a user experiences the Fab Lab — Where the experience actually begins (and ends, if at all), how this experience emerges from Fab Lab use and how this experience can intentionally be designed, created and supported.  This could lead to a new appreciation of assets and core competencies, products or services of a Fab Lab, a fresh look at what users need or want, and the recognition of the ecosystem of partnerships or external relationships surrounding a Fab Lab.

Take Away for participants:

– a “lens” to look at assets and offerings through the eyes of the users
– knowledge of tools & methods to assess the user experience
– understanding of the ecosystem; an overview over proven design tools for the creation and the improvement of a WOW! FabLab experience

(This workshop builds on discussions at the Fab Lab Barcamp Bremen)

Description:

Creative Pool is the name of a proposal for an exchange platform for teachers/instructors who work with/in Fab Labs and who would want to share their expertise with other labs. Work can be as varied as seminars, workshops, contests, etc. The platform would allow Fab Labs to invite teachers/instructors to give a certain course or workshop. The platform would also include some kind of quality management system based on participants’ evaluation of these courses/workshops.
The workshop aims to discuss that proposal, address challenges and opportunities, to form an initial group of people interested in the “Creative Pool”, and to establish a tentative first set of rules for it. To build up a circle of know-how around the platform fablab in collaboration also with independent freelancers, driven by their own motivation, is a central point in “Creative Pool”.

Take Away for participants:

– Initial network of “Creative Pool” members
– Initial “rules” for the “Creative Pool”

(This workshop is also supported by Elmine Wijnia)

Karsten Joost

Description:

The Netherlands has a large density of FabLab initiatives (3 operational labs, about 5 in various stages of development, all within 2.5 hrs driving distance). This gives us unique opportunities. Globally the FabLab network is highly fragmented. As FabLabs are started, especially if its a completely local initiative, they are focussed on bootstrapping themselves into existence, not on connecting to the outside world.
This workshop will address the existing building blocks of how to start a community, the challenges we face in doing so, and it will suggest and discuss possible solutions to these challenges.

Take Away for participants:

– Insight in the nature and theory of communities
– Understanding of the challenges and ideas for solutions
– Initiatives to implement some of the solutions

(This workshop builds on the post and discussion initiated by Ton Zylstra here: http://www.fablab.nl/articles/2009/07/26/fablab-community-building)

Description:

There is no single business model for a Fab Lab; rather it emerges from various local initiatives, Neil was cited in the German magazine “GEO” in April 2003. Each Fab Lab has its own model of funding, and often this model evolves over time. New Fab Lab initiatives are looking for start-up funding; others approach the end of their current funding cycle. Developing and innovating the business model is key to sustaining the Fab Labs.
We will discuss ways of developing business models, look at a “business model canvas” as a template to develop business models. The University of Lucerne who are hosting the first Swiss Fab Lab will be reporting on the review of Fab Lab business models carried out in early 2010.

Take Away for participants:

– business model canvas;
– insight in business models currently in operation;
– contacts with those who “share the pain” of developing/innovating Fab Lab business models

(This workshops builds on the work done for the Fablabs in Luzern and Basel and on discussions with Markus Horneß (Nürnberg) and the people from Fablab Groningen)