Digispace- a feasibility study for a gender aware digital maker space at the Visualization Center C
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | NORRKÖPING VISUALISERING AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 300 000 |
| Project duration | November 2014 - August 2015 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The purpose of the study has been to produce a toolkit useful for both the design of and the activities within the maker space planned at the Visualization Center C. A platform has been created through the introduction of a number of usable methods. The feasibility study has also generated valuable knowledge about the maker movement. At the same time, we have realized that gender awareness requires not just a tool box, but also a critical analysis of the whole organization which needs to be intergrated into policy documents and action plans.
Results and expected effects
The tools and approaches generated by the feasibility study will be implemented into the public activities of the center as well as into the design process of the actual maker space at Visualization Center C. As a result, we are planning to try out a number of maker activities for girls in November 2015, during autumn break. We also plan to, in collaboration with Makers of Norrköping and Makers of Linköping, Norrköping Science Park and Mjärdevi Science Park organize seminars on how the maker movement can attract more women to the IT industry.
Approach and implementation
The feasibility study has been carried out primarily during the spring and summer of 2015. The project has been carried out in three phases where phase 1 required a lot of research and visits to other science centers and maker spaces. During the second phase we have investigated more into women´s networks and organized seminars and workshops with gender researchers and women makers. We are currently at the third phase when we are doing hands on activities through workshops. Phase 3 is therefore still going on, although the feasibility study can be formally considered completed.