Industry
Education, Innovation, and Service Design
Client
T-works, Government of Telangana
USER RESEARCH • SERVICE DESIGN • INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE •
In response to the growing demand for accessible spaces for innovation and creation, T-Works embarked on a mission to establish a vibrant makerspace within the city. However, faced with disorganized resources and operational inefficiencies, they sought a partner to not only develop a structured curriculum but also design a seamless operational framework to maximize the space's potential.
Problem
T-Works faced challenges in efficiently utilizing their makerspace and fostering community engagement due to unorganized resources and undefined operational processes. This hindered their ability to attract citizens and cultivate a thriving maker culture within the city.
Solution
We were tasked with developing a comprehensive curriculum and service design solution to address T-Works' challenges. Through user research, we gained insights into the needs of T-Works and its users, informing the structure of the curriculum and operational requirements. Leveraging modular and scalable design approaches, we created a user-friendly curriculum on Gitbook and implemented protocols for instructor onboarding, class scheduling, and payment processing to streamline makerspace operations. Additionally, we integrated evaluations into the curriculum to empower citizens to learn to use machines independently and drive projects themselves. Collaborating closely with the T-Works team and facilitators, we built and structured these evaluations for every space within the makerspace.
The result was a meticulously crafted curriculum and operational framework that empowered T-Works to effectively manage its makerspace, drive citizen engagement, and foster a dynamic maker culture within the city. Our solution not only addressed immediate needs but also laid the foundation for achieving the long-term goal of enabling citizens to become independent learners and project leaders within the makerspace environment. This holistic approach ensured that T-Works could sustainably support and nurture a community of makers for years to come.
1
User Research:
Conducted interviews, workshops, and audits to understand the needs of T-Works, its users, and existing resources. This research informed the curriculum structure and operational requirements.
2
Information Architecture:
Organized learning materials and created a comprehensive curriculum on Gitbook, structuring content in a user-friendly and accessible manner for diverse learners.
3
Service Design:
Based on business requirements and user cohort analysis, we developed user flows and a detailed information architecture. This was followed by competitive research, leading to the rapid iteration of a user-friendly and comprehensive interface.
4
Scalable Design:
The curriculum and operational framework were designed to align with T-Works' current needs while allowing for future expansions and increasing complexities. We incorporated their brand guidelines while evolving it to give the curriculum its own unique flair and personality.
Fig.1 Audit of existing resources and services
Fig.2 Approach and Structure
Fig.3 & 4 Curriculum overview & Individual page structure
Fig.5 Class details and structure
Fig.6 Ceramics pilot programme
Fig.7 Electronics workshops pilot programs