Andy - your AI studio assistant

Type UX Design

Time Oct 2024 - now

Teamwork Independent Project

Tools Figma

Streamlining Makerspace experience for students and staff with multi-modal AI

| Problem Space

What is a Makerspace ?

A Makerspace is a collaborative studio or community workspace offering tools, equipment, and resources for hands-on projects in DIY, digital fabrication, and rapid prototyping.

Navigating through Makerspace resources can be challenging . . .

Take the Jacobs Makerspace at UC Berkeley as example:

30+

Equipment

There are over 30 different equipment, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, metalworking woodworking tools and robotic arm.

40+

Materials

There are 40+ material options for 3D printing and laser cutting, including PLA, resin, carbon fiber, and TPU.

🤯

90+

Tools

90+ smaller tools are available for precise tasks and detailed work, such as soldering irons, hand drills, calipers, rotary tools, and clamps.

Prusa MK3S+ Printers / Laser Cutters / Electronics Lab / LulzBot 3D Printer / Shopbot CNC Router / Industrial Sewing Machines / Vinyl Cutter and Heat Press / DiWire Bending Machine / Othermill CNC Mills / Woodshop / Vacuum Former / Injection Molder / Creaform 3D Scanner / Ultimaker 3D Printers / Objet 260 Printer / Objet 350 Printer / Fortus 380mc / Formlabs Form 3 / Markforged X7 / Metal Shop / FabLight / Omax Waterjet Cutter / Tormach PCNC440 Mill / TIG Welding / Sharp Mill / HTC Vive VR Headset / Kuka KR 6 R900-2 Agilus Robots / . . .

And this is not just UC Berkeley . . .

Across the U.S., there are more than 2,000 Makerspaces and Fab Labs in communities, schools, libraries, and museums.

How to make the experience at Makerspace less overwhelming and more user-friendly ?

AI and LLMs create innovative design solutions for Makerspace challenges, offering multi-modal support, personalized interactions, and enhanced accessibility.

| Design Challenge

Transforming Makerspace experience with AI

How might we leverage multi-modal AI to create a system that makes Makerspace resources more intuitive and accessible for students, while providing contextual support to assist staff in studio management ?

| Design Overview

After conducting 6 interviews with students and staff at UC Berkeley, I analyzed their pain points and identify design opportunities in Makerspace usage and management.

| Market Research

LLMs and Generative AI bring design opportunities to tackle makerspace challenges.

| Wireframes

This project is currently ongoing, with the design of the staff management interface and desktop UI still in progress. Feel free to reach out if you want to know more about the details!