The standards outlined here apply to all areas at Ace Makerspace. These standards are designed to create a consistent user experience that is inclusive, equitable, safe, and friendly. This document is set up as a critical thinking tool for designing and maintaining accessible friendly spaces at Ace.
Is the area friendly? Is the area inclusive? Is the area safe?
Would a total newbie know where to start?
If not consider some of the following options or brainstorm new ideas to solve the problem:
- Add signage like start here that leads them to a map or posted Link where they can get started. This will usually be a collection of small projects or helpful information and possibly books.
Would a new member be able to find tools and supplies?
If not consider some of the following options or brainstorm new ideas to solve the problem:
- Make a simple directory of the area. For example on the supply closet door in the shop add a list of what is in the closet.
- Add taxonomy to the area so users can look up the tools.
- Add signage to major tools, especially tools a newbie wouldn’t recognize.
Is it set up safely for multiple users in the space?
If not consider some of the following options or brainstorm new ideas to solve the problem:
- Rearrange the cables and cords
- Move furniture and tools
- Simplify the items stored on worksurfaces
- Ensure safety equipment is highly visible
- Consult others at Ace to solve safety issues
- Ensure member supplies can be accessed by as many types of users as possible. (think physical abilities)
Can members clearly see what is for their use, org use, or instructor use?
If not consider some of the following options or brainstorm new ideas to solve the problem:
- Store org project items and teaching supplies in a different area than supplies for members and clearly label them with green tags.
- Clearly label things that are for members
- Post the donation policy for people who want to contribute to consumable supplies
- Make sure payment/contribution information is clearly posted so users can chip in
- Make sure refill information is clearly posted for common supplies
Are basic use instructions clear and in easy proximity to tools?
If not consider some of the following options or brainstorm new ideas to solve the problem:
- Update old information
- Created laminated “basic instructions” and mount them to equipment
- Post clear links to detailed information
Do all tools have clear intentional homes?
If not consider some of the following options or brainstorm new ideas to solve the problem:
- Make sure all tools or supplies have labeled homes for where they are stored
- Use color and symbol taxonomies to make it easy for users to “scan” to see where to put things
- Plan to regularly restore order to the organization of things
Could users clearly see if something was out of place?
If not consider some of the following options or brainstorm new ideas to solve the problem:
- Use color/symbol coding so even new users can put “like” things with “like”
- Take and post photos of how things look when they are in order
Can the area be easily cleaned and kept organized?
If not consider some of the following options or brainstorm new ideas to solve the problem:
- Store thing in organized well-labeled bins for easy cleaning and dusting
- Make sure containers and storage units are the right size for the supplies
- For example, does the lid close?
- Does somebody have to dump the whole bin out to find something?
What to avoid
Setting it up like your home shop
It is a pretty natural inclination to set things up in the way that works best for you… that is what you know best. Ace Makerspace is a community space and needs to be set up not just for different kinds of people but for sharing and lots of users to cycle in and out. We also teach, and spaces need to accommodate that.
Setting things up for a specific level of experience
It is very tempting to have things in a default configuration for making “the perfect thing”. Unless that configuration also accommodates sharing with lots of people it likely will need adjustments. All areas should be set up so they work for both the experienced user and somebody with no experience whatsoever when it comes to knowing where to start, finding information, and finding tools and equipment.
Thinking you have to do it all yourself
Maybe labeling is not your thing. Or you have been doing “the thing” for so long that you can only see it from an experienced user’s perspective. That is okay. Crafty and the membership will help make it happen. We can get newbies, experiment with things.