Publications

Link: https://ijamm.pubpub.org/pub/hd52bqmw
Citation: Gupta, R. K., Sims, C. M., Jariwala, A. S., & Karim, H. (2024). Design and Prototyping Consultancy Course to Support Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Makerspaces. IJAMM.

Abstract:
Academic makerspaces foster creativity and hands-on learning, providing students with opportunities to engage in engineering projects and entrepreneurial endeavors. However, while student staff members are trained in operating equipment and ensuring safety, they often lack the necessary expertise to guide users through the design and prototyping processes effectively. This gap between user needs and staff expertise can lead to suboptimal decisionmaking, hindering the development of innovative and viable products. To address this challenge, a 4-week” Design Process and Prototyping Consultancy Course” was developed to equip student staff with the knowledge and skills required to serve as competent consultants in academic makerspaces. The pilot course was designed to empower students with a comprehensive understanding of design thinking methodologies, prototyping techniques, and effective consultation strategies. Through a structured curriculum, participants gained insights into various prototyping approaches, and the iterative nature of the design process. Additionally, the course emphasized the development of interpersonal skills, such as active listening, problem-solving, and effective communication, enabling student staff to provide valuable guidance to makerspace users. By fostering a cohort of knowledgeable and skilled consultants, academic makerspaces can enhance their support for entrepreneurship and innovation. Students will benefit from expert advice, facilitating the transformation of their ideas into functional, desirable, and viable products. This paper presents results from a unique Work in Progress initiative where students led the creation of the course as well as assisted with developing the course as it was being offered. Ultimately, this initiative aims to cultivate a culture of design excellence and promote the successful realization of creative projects within the makerspace ecosystem.

Link: https://peer.asee.org/decision-support-model-to-leverage-extended-reality-technologies-to-augment-manufacturing-education
Citation: Jariwala, A. S., & Karim, H., & Greiner, C. D. (2023, June), Decision support model to leverage extended reality technologies to augment manufacturing education Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2–42881

Abstract:
Extended reality devices and applications are being utilized to augment training and education within engineering and beyond. Their innovative and powerful ways to engage with numerous senses of the learner are making several educators explore and experiment within classrooms and makerspaces. The authors have implemented training using these technologies at a large public institution of higher education, and the paper will present experience reports and anecdotal student feedback. This paper aims to present a decision support model that could map the educational learning outcomes to the current state-of-the-art of Extended Reality technology. Such a tool could help educators make better decisions on how to effectively integrate these new technologies within the curriculum to enhance and augment the learning of engineering concepts for students.

Link: https://ijamm.pubpub.org/pub/ei6qvfjc
Citation: DiCarlo, D., Greenfield, N., & Jariwala, A. S. (2022). Artificial Intelligence in Makerspaces – Repurposing industry applications to serve makerspace needs. IJAMM.

Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence, in modern understanding, is the use of computers and computing power to perform tasks previously known to be only possible by a human. Until recently, there has not been enough processing capability to allow for these activities. Now, developments in computing capabilities have allowed for the prospering of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has had a pronounced effect on the manufacturing industry by allowing it to make sense of the large amounts of data generated by sensors and other monitoring devices. This data, known as Big Data, is too dense to be processed by solely human intuition. However, by using machine learning (ML), a subset of AI, trends, and patterns can be discovered and leveraged to the industry’s benefit. Any manufacturing setting puts its occupants in a certain degree of danger. Mitigating that danger is critical in any scenario, but especially in the environment of a makerspace. Makerspaces, by nature, are open to a wider spectrum of users with diverse skill sets and backgrounds than a typical industrial environment. Ensuring that even the most novice user can safely access, train, and utilize the equipment in the space is paramount. One of the many objectives that makerspaces serve is to lower the barriers of entry and access to prototyping/fabrication equipment. This paper presents novel approaches by which makerspaces could leverage the wide accessibility of AI tools, IoT sensors, and computation power to better achieve their mission and serve their stakeholders.

Link: https://ijamm.pubpub.org/pub/1vmy7hic
Citation: Crose, C., Camus, O., & Jariwala, A. S. (2022). Fostering Culture in a Student Volunteer Run Makerspace. IJAMM.

Abstract:
This paper explores motivational factors that influence volunteers, how the staff’s motivation impacts the makerspace culture, and tactics that makerspace leaders could use to recruit and sustain student volunteers for a makerspace.

Link: https://peer.asee.org/design-of-a-comprehensive-system-to-benchmark-makerspaces
Citation: Jariwala, A. S., & Greenfield, N., & Orton, E., & Banerjee, R. (2021, July), Design of a Comprehensive System to Benchmark Makerspaces Paper presented at 2021 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, Virtual Conference. 10.18260/1-2–36916

Abstract:
Makerspace, a term coined in the early 2000s by MAKE Magazine, is an umbrella term for many organizations that share a common goal; to support creative self-efficacy. Makerspaces can be understood as the 21st-century evolution of libraries – communities allowing members with shared interests to collaborate on developing ideas while socializing the financial burden of equipment access and upkeep. A makerspace can look very different from place to place, with some being located in public spaces like libraries or classrooms. Others can be privately owned facilities, either open to the community or for-profit enterprises charging access fees. Assessing and benchmarking these spaces’ capacity and capability can be difficult due to their wide variety of attributes. There is rapid worldwide growth and evolution of makerspaces that frequently outpaces research efforts resulting in a lack of comprehensive analysis.

Creating a comprehensive framework for assessment will enable makerspaces to utilize a common language for comparison on like terms, allowing for more streamlined collaborative research to assess capability, safety, social impact, and economic contribution. A thorough literature review was conducted on makerspaces. Numerous attributes of makerspaces and maker communities were then sorted into broader dimensions. These dimensions include assets, culture, influence, and sustainability of a makerspace. The authors propose numerous data streams that could be utilized to quantify these makerspace dimensions. This assessment framework will enable future researchers to look at holistic data and influencing factors, encouraging more structured investigations on the many impacts of makerspaces on their members and community. Makerspaces are an unrivaled tool in hands-on experiential learning, and by creating a common framework, research on educational impacts can be shared among previously disparate efforts.

Link: https://ijamm.pubpub.org/pub/51g9yiy1
Citation: Imam, R., Patel, P. B., Ferron, L., & Jariwala, A. S. (2020). Development and Impact of a Data Collection System for Academic Makerspaces. IJAMM.

Abstract:
The primary motives behind implementing the ‘Shared User Management System’ (SUMS, https://sums.gatech.edu/) in the Invention Studio at Georgia Tech were to gather both user and usage statistics data, allow users to enter the tool queue, and help enforce the safety policy. Usage data helps quantify the potential impact of the space and attract more donors and sponsors. Roberts and Buckley [1] have also shown the impact of their university’s makerspace by conducting a survey and showing how it affected different groups on campus. Usage data also helps efficiently manage the tools and resources as well as planning and scheduling maintenance. During peak times, the Invention Studio requires greater supervision and automated queuing systems. The School’s safety policy requires all users be aware of basic safety procedures. SUMS helps disseminate this information with little hassle on the user and the administration. A system which gathers tool usage and user statistics while keeping intrusion and human effort to a minimum are ideal for a makerspace environment and improves safety, work flow, and maintenance.

Link: https://ijamm.pubpub.org/pub/yuj0rxvr
Citation: Banerjee, R., Ferron, L. M., Bailey, D., Imam, R., & Jariwala, A. S. (2020). IoT in Makerspaces – Review of Usage and Future Potential 4th International Symposium on Academic Makerspaces. IJAMM.

Abstract:
This paper reviews the current landscape and explores the future potential of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies within academic makerspaces. While IoT and Industry 4.0 paradigms are revolutionizing various industries through enhanced data collection and interconnected systems, makerspaces, particularly in higher education, often rely on manual operational methods. This paper examines existing IoT implementations in makerspaces, including both university-developed systems like SUMS, UTEM, and Mobius, and commercial offerings such as 3DPrinterOS, FabMan, and Autodesk Smart Workbench. These systems primarily address tool management, access control, and usage tracking. Drawing inspiration from diverse and successful IoT applications in sectors like education, agriculture, smart cities, and healthcare, the paper explores novel applications for makerspaces, such as predictive maintenance, resource optimization, and enhanced user experience. The potential benefits of IoT in makerspaces include data-driven decision-making, predictive maintenance, optimized resource allocation, enhanced user experience, and improved safety and efficiency. However, the paper also acknowledges challenges related to implementation costs, cybersecurity risks, user trust, and data overload. Ultimately, this review underscores the largely untapped potential of IoT to transform makerspaces into smart, interconnected environments that foster enhanced management, operational efficiency, and enriched user experiences.

Link: https://ijamm.pubpub.org/pub/675haexz
Citation: Rupert, N., & Jariwala, A. S. (2020). Development of a Smartphone Application for Makerspace Management. IJAMM.

Abstract:
The growth of academic makerspaces necessitates efficient management solutions to address challenges in user access, tool management, and data-driven administration. Georgia Institute of Technology’s Invention Studio utilizes the Shared User Management System (SUMS), a kiosk-based platform, yet faces limitations in user accessibility and interface usability. This paper introduces a smartphone application developed to augment SUMS, providing a user-friendly and accessible mobile interface for makerspace interactions. The application offers real-time tool status and queue information, push notifications for queue updates, simplified tool problem reporting, and feedback submission. Developed for both iOS and Android, the application leverages APIs to integrate with SUMS and introduce new functionalities. This paper details the application’s features, development process, and its potential to improve communication, user experience, and overall operational efficiency within academic makerspaces, ultimately contributing to a more productive and frustration-free environment.

Link: https://ijamm.pubpub.org/pub/44ghje5o
Citation: Imam, R., Ferron, L., & Jariwala, A. S. (2020). A Review of the Data Collection Methods Used at Higher Education Makerspaces. IJAMM.

Abstract:
This paper reviews data collection methods currently employed in higher education makerspaces across the United States. Makerspaces are increasingly vital in universities, and data collection is crucial for their effective management, resource allocation, and sustainability, particularly in demonstrating value to stakeholders and securing funding. This study investigates various data collection techniques, including ID badge readers, on-screen logins, surveys, and online forms, analyzing their trade-offs in terms of user burden, data richness, and implementation effort. Through a survey and interviews with representatives from 14 university makerspaces, this research identifies current practices, quantifies the types of data collected (user and equipment), and assesses the level of effort associated with different methods. The findings highlight the prevalence of user data collection and identify opportunities for improving equipment data tracking while minimizing user disruption. Ultimately, the paper emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making in makerspaces and proposes future directions such as developing open-source guides and comprehensive databases to support effective data collection and knowledge sharing within the makerspace community.

Authors: Amit Jariwala, J. Auston Specer, Thomas and Ferrarer
Publication Date: 2018/10
Conference: Construct3D 2018