What is the Maker Movement?

The impulse to be creative is a basic human drive for many. We’ve been creating and using homemade materials and tools since the beginning of time. Since then, it’s safe to say we haven’t stopped creating tools that help us to solve the more modern problems of today. Civilisation has become more and more defined by the progress of technology and the things each one of us creates.

But what exactly is the maker movement and how is it important in today’s society? In this article we’ll explore these burning questions as well as looking at how you can get involved yourself.

What is the Maker Movement?

Simply, the maker movement is a subculture that represents a technology-based extension of the popular DIY culture. This is where you’ll find many people creating new devices as well as others tinkering with and adapting existing ones. Typically, those with an interest in the maker movement will enjoy pursuits such as electronics, robotics, 3D printing and using computer control tools. You’ll also find that many also have a keen interest in metalworking, woodworking and the more traditional arts and crafts.

Growing ever popular over the years, Maker Faires have become a place where likeminded individuals can gather together to show off their creations. With Faires taking place all over the globe this year, will you be joining the movement?

Why Is It Important Today?

The maker movement is incredibly important – without it, you’d suddenly find an immense lack of new technology or products being developed and created. It’s likely to be more important now than ever before.

By encouraging and inspiring people to shift from passive consumers to active creators, not only are you developing new skills yourself, but you’re also spending your money on handmade, locally crafted items that are often of a much higher quality.

How Can You Get Involved?

There are so many ways in which you can get involved in the maker movement – whether you want to become a maker yourself or to simply support a creative by buying their products. If you’re wanting to try your hand at it yourself, you could build your own computer by using a Raspberry Pi, which is a straightforward way to introduce yourself to computer coding. Many companies are getting involved with the movement, making it much more accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Why not make this year the one where you support a local maker or try your hand at a new skill or two!