Design and prototype
Sometimes, we can find some really cool stuff in the Museum’s basement. Our basement serves as one of the exhibit workshops, so many of the materials were at one point used for prototyping or repairing exhibits. For example, this acrylic dome. It was originally used as a prototype for our newly renovated Waterplay exhibit. Now, it is being used to…
An Abstract Theme
“Make something that flows” This was the challenge that we presented to visitors a couple of weeks ago. As facilitators, it was our challenge to document what visitors did when given the challenge. Typically themes in MAKESHOP revolve around less abstract ideas like 3D objects or light, but mMake FLOW. What does that even mean? I spent about an hour…
A Week in MAKESHOP (in two minutes)
MAKESHOP is not a static exhibit. It changes to accommodate a variety of activities and programs, such as schools groups, guest makers, play-testing, meetings, photo shoots, themed activities, etc. Tables get moved, messes are made (and cleaned up), things are broken (and fixed), and everyone has fun. We made a time-lapse video of the workshop side of MAKESHOP over the span of an…
Playtesting Grant Opportunity
Spark and The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh are offering a Playtesting Grant Program for anyone seeking to benefit from the design, engagement, research, evaluation, and resources of MAKESHOP at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Playtesting aims to expose the level of fun and enjoyment that players get out of a certain game, exercise, or project. What, how, who? Anything can be playtested, honestly. Testing can be conducted over a…