Maker Movement Drives the Future

Walking the packed grounds of the San Mateo County Fairgrounds this past weekend with my son to attend the 10th anniversary edition of the Bay Area Maker Faire, I couldn’t help thinking I was seeing a vision of the future.

Everywhere I turned there were interesting, creative, thoughtful, silly, playful (and every other kind of adjective you can think of) displays of people’s creativity. The vast majority had some kind of tech-related angle to them but, in most cases, the technology was subsumed into the overall message of what was being demonstrated. It wasn’t tech for tech’s sake, but rather, technology used for the purpose of enabling someone’s vision of what they wanted to create.

Interestingly, while there were a few booths from big name semiconductor vendors, it wasn’t a world dominated by big computers or small-screen computers made by large conglomerates either. Instead, the fairgrounds were filled with home-built inventions, artwork, and ideas driven, for the most part, by very simple technologies: Arduino boards, Raspberry Pis, Beagle Boards, and lots of other microcontrollers.

These circuit boards don’t offer anywhere near the processing power of your smartphone—frankly, they aren’t much more powerful than a fancy desktop calculator—yet, they drove interactive art installations, toys, craft creation, music production, robots, drones, food monitoring, home control and just about any other kind of application you could possibly think of.

All of which made me start to realize—and appreciate—how much can still be done with even the simplest of computing technologies. All it takes is the interest, drive and creativity of individuals to leverage these boards—and the great ecosystem of software tools, hardware add-ons (often called “shields”), and published how-to materials—to generate a dizzying array of devices and applications.

In many ways, you could argue the Maker Movement—which may not have been started by the Maker Faires, but has certainly grown tremendously because of them—highlight a sort of retro view of the future. (There’s a reason why SteamPunk-inspired fashion and creations are so popular at the Maker Faire.) In some instances, there is a kind of odd mix of older technology with newer ideas, as well as the desire to turn even the simplest of items (or even “found” items) into something much more than they were originally intended.

Seeing various types of “vehicles” or art installations around the Faire made with junk metal, yet blended with some kind of technology to give them a new lease on life, for example, is not how many people might initially picture the future (no autonomous driving systems here), yet it seems to be the norm at the Maker Faire.[pullquote]Projects at the Maker Faire feel like people taking control of the technology, instead of the technology taking control of us, as so often seems to be the case these days.”[/pullquote]

What’s particularly encouraging and enlightening about the Maker movement is it highlights the impact individuals, or small groups of people, can have and what they can achieve with technology. In a sense, it feels like people taking control of the technology, instead of the technology taking control of us, as so often seems to be the case these days.

Even better, the creative work is being done by an enormous range of individuals, all within the confines of a very supportive community. There were numerous booths around this year’s Faire sponsored by elementary schools, and even individual children (with their parents, of course), in addition to grizzled, grey-bearded garage hackers, all showing off their creations.

There were all kinds of educational sessions and workshops, as well as lots of questions being answered at individual booths about how things were done, what approaches to take, what types of things were possible, and so on. There was a palpable sense of sharing and the desire to pass on people’s skills and expertise to the community at large.

All told, it was an impressive, inspiring event—though a bit of a sensory overload, to be honest—that offers tremendous hope for how technology can be adapted by individuals into their lives, all the while offering a fun, creative outlet. If that’s not an inspiring view of the future, I don’t know what is.

Published by

Bob O'Donnell

Bob O’Donnell is the president and chief analyst of TECHnalysis Research, LLC a technology consulting and market research firm that provides strategic consulting and market research services to the technology industry and professional financial community. You can follow him on Twitter @bobodtech.

183 thoughts on “Maker Movement Drives the Future”

  1. Anybody who thinks American tech creativity is losing out to China needs to go to a Maker Faire. This country will always lead the world in sheer inventiveness and it’s a direct result of our characteristic freedom.

  2. “In a sense, it feels like people taking control of the technology, instead of the technology taking control of us, as so often seems to be the case these days.”

    Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
    There is no substitute for knowing your tools and having the freedom to use them.

    1. You’re welcome….fascinating to see how many people are clearly interested in learning this…

  3. The whole DIY movement is pretty much everywhere. I like it. I enjoy building amps and roasting coffee. I certainly don’t expect anyone/everyone else to either do that or understand. Just as I don’t care to explore the depths of the computer or work on my car anymore. There are people who get paid to do that. I let them.

    I think there is an innate drive to be able to do something with our own hands with our own minds that is driving all of this. It could be explained as taking control vs being controlled. I think it is more intrinsic to human nature, that creating and craftsmanship—whether as a career, prosumer, or as a hobby—is important to our self-identities. I don’t fear robotics as much. Humans will find something even if it is just niche. We can’t do otherwise.

    Joe

  4. When someone writes an paragraph he/she maintains the thought of a user
    in his/her mind that how a user can understand it.
    Thus that’s why this paragraph is outstdanding. Thanks!

  5. Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic however
    I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or
    maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My blog addresses a lot of the same
    topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you are interested feel free to send me an email.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog
    by the way!

  6. Hello everybody, here every one is sharing these kinds of knowledge, thus it’s
    pleasant to read this weblog, and I used to pay a quick visit this website everyday.

  7. Great article! That is the type of information that are supposed to be shared across the internet.

    Shame on the search engines for not positioning this put up upper!
    Come on over and consult with my web site . Thanks =)

  8. We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme
    in our community. Your website provided us
    with valuable info to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be grateful to
    you.

  9. Hello There. I found your weblog the usage of msn. That is a very neatly written article.
    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks
    for the post. I will definitely return.

  10. Hi there it’s me, I am also visiting this web page on a
    regular basis, this website is truly good and the people
    are genuinely sharing good thoughts.

  11. Hi there everybody, here every one is sharing such experience, thus it’s good to read this webpage,
    and I used to visit this website every day.

  12. I like what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and coverage!
    Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve included you guys to my personal blogroll.

  13. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I
    could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter
    updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with
    something like this. Please let me know if you run into
    anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  14. Whats up are using WordPress for your site
    platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do
    you need any html coding knowledge to make
    your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!

  15. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing
    this website. I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade content from you later on as well.
    In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own blog now 😉

  16. Hi my family member! I wish to say that this post is
    amazing, nice written and include almost all
    significant infos. I’d like to look more posts like this
    .

  17. I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this
    post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem.
    You’re amazing! Thanks!

  18. Hello there, I discovered your blog via Google while looking for a similar topic, your site came
    up, it seems good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hello there, just was aware of your blog
    thru Google, and found that it is really informative.
    I’m going to be careful for brussels. I’ll be grateful should you continue this in future.
    Lots of people shall be benefited out of your writing.
    Cheers!

  19. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your website offered us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done
    an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

  20. Hiya very nice site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Wonderful ..
    I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also? I am glad to seek out a lot of helpful information right here within the post, we’d like develop extra techniques in this regard, thank you for
    sharing. . . . . .

  21. Its like you learn my thoughts! You seem to understand a lot approximately this,
    like you wrote the e book in it or something. I think that you just can do with a few percent
    to force the message house a little bit, but other than that, this is fantastic blog.
    An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.

  22. Greetings! This is my first comment here
    so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly
    enjoy reading your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with
    the same subjects? Thank you so much!

  23. Heya excellent blog! Does running a blog like this require a large amount of work?
    I’ve virtually no knowledge of coding however I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow,
    should you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners please
    share. I understand this is off subject however I simply wanted
    to ask. Thank you!

  24. Link exchange is nothing else except it is only placing the other person’s weblog link
    on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do similar in favor
    of you.

  25. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting
    my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get setup?
    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?

    I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% sure. Any recommendations
    or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos

  26. This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post.

    Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  27. Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to
    generate a top notch article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot
    and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  28. What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It
    positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist different
    customers like its helped me. Great job.

  29. Good day! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
    I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues
    with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a
    good platform.

  30. Hey There. I found your blog the use of msn. That is an extremely
    smartly written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to
    read more of your helpful info. Thank you for the
    post. I’ll definitely comeback.

  31. That is a really good tip particularly to those new
    to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one.
    A must read article!

  32. Excellent blog here! Additionally your site quite a bit
    up fast! What web host are you the use of? Can I get your associate hyperlink in your host?
    I desire my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  33. Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening.
    I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this short article together.
    I once again find myself spending a significant
    amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth
    it!

  34. hello!,I like your writing very much! share we communicate
    extra approximately your article on AOL? I require a specialist on this
    space to solve my problem. Maybe that is you! Having a look ahead to see you.

  35. Having read this I believed it was very informative. I appreciate you
    taking the time and energy to put this information together.
    I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both
    reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

  36. I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here
    and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme?
    Superb work!

  37. Neat blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine.
    Please let me know where you got your design. Bless you

  38. Hi to all, for the reason that I am in fact eager of reading this
    webpage’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It includes fastidious data.

  39. Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this
    board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.
    I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.

  40. Howdy! This article could not be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He continually kept preaching about this. I’ll forward this post to him.
    Fairly certain he will have a very good read. Thank you for
    sharing!

  41. Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to
    and you are just too excellent. I really like what you
    have acquired here, really like what you’re
    saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for
    to keep it smart. I cant wait to read much more from you.

    This is really a wonderful website.

  42. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure
    of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way
    of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got
    an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 images.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

  43. Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just too
    magnificent. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which you say
    it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of
    to keep it wise. I cant wait to read far more
    from you. This is really a wonderful web site.

  44. Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website,
    how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
    I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

  45. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well
    written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more
    of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  46. Hello, I do think your web site might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues.
    I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
    Besides that, wonderful website!

  47. Undeniably believe that which you stated.
    Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware
    of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they just do not
    know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top
    and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal.
    Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  48. You are so cool! I do not think I have read through something
    like this before. So wonderful to find somebody
    with some unique thoughts on this subject matter.
    Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This
    site is something that is needed on the internet, someone with some originality!

  49. I like the valuable information you provide on your articles.

    I’ll bookmark your blog and test once more here regularly.
    I’m quite sure I’ll be informed lots of new stuff proper right here!
    Best of luck for the following!

  50. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a
    friend who has been doing a little homework on this.
    And he in fact ordered me dinner simply because I stumbled upon it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the
    meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this topic here on your web page.

  51. Just wish to say your article is as astonishing.
    The clarity for your put up is simply nice and that i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.

    Fine along with your permission allow me to seize your feed to stay updated with drawing
    close post. Thank you one million and please continue the gratifying work.

  52. Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and
    i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of
    spam responses? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much
    appreciated.

  53. I really like what you guys are usually up
    too. This sort of clever work and reporting!
    Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve added you guys to my personal blogroll.

  54. It’s the best time to make some plans for the longer term
    and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this post and if I may just I want
    to suggest you some interesting things or advice.
    Maybe you can write next articles regarding this article.
    I wish to learn even more things about it!

  55. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added
    I get several e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
    Appreciate it!

  56. Howdy very cool blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb ..
    I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?
    I’m satisfied to seek out so many helpful information right here in the submit, we need develop more strategies on this regard, thank
    you for sharing. . . . . .

  57. My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from
    PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a variety of websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another platform.
    I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net. Is there a
    way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into
    it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!

  58. Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project
    in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided
    us useful information to work on. You have
    done a wonderful job!

  59. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your site
    and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement
    you access consistently rapidly.

  60. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a friend who had been doing a little research on this.

    And he in fact ordered me breakfast because I stumbled upon it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this
    subject here on your blog.

  61. It’s in point of fact a great and helpful
    piece of information. I’m satisfied that you simply shared this helpful information with us.
    Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  62. Hi there, You have done a great job. I will certainly digg it and personally suggest to
    my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this web site.

  63. It’s in point of fact a great and helpful piece of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this useful info with us.
    Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  64. Awesome website you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any discussion boards that cover
    the same topics discussed in this article? I’d really like to be
    a part of online community where I can get feed-back from
    other experienced people that share the same interest.

    If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
    Thanks a lot!

  65. Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
    Many thanks

  66. Hey! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to
    look it over. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my
    followers! Terrific blog and outstanding design and style.

  67. Howdy! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I
    could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the
    same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one?
    Thanks a lot!

  68. I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which
    makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire
    out a developer to create your theme? Exceptional work!

  69. I will right away grasp your rss feed as I can not find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service.
    Do you have any? Kindly allow me recognize so that I could subscribe.

    Thanks.

  70. of course like your website however you have to test the spelling
    on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it
    very troublesome to inform the truth then again I’ll certainly come again again.

  71. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something
    that I think I would never understand. It seems too
    complicated and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I
    will try to get the hang of it!

  72. Hey! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest
    authoring a blog post or vice-versa? My blog discusses a
    lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit
    from each other. If you are interested feel free
    to shoot me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Fantastic
    blog by the way!

  73. This is the right webpage for everyone who wishes to find out
    about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard
    to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa).
    You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been written about for many years.
    Great stuff, just excellent!

  74. Thank you for every other wonderful post. Where else may anybody get that kind of information in such an ideal method of writing?
    I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the search for such info.

  75. I do agree with all of the concepts you have presented on your post.
    They’re very convincing and can certainly work. Still, the posts
    are very quick for newbies. Could you please lengthen them a little
    from next time? Thank you for the post.

  76. I believe everything said was actually very reasonable.
    But, think about this, suppose you were to write a killer post title?
    I am not suggesting your information isn’t good, but what if you added a headline
    that makes people want more? I mean Maker Movement Drives the
    Future – Tech.pinions is a little boring. You might look
    at Yahoo’s front page and note how they create post titles to get viewers interested.

    You might add a related video or a pic or two to grab readers interested
    about what you’ve written. Just my opinion, it could make your website a little livelier.

  77. I’m now not positive where you are getting your info, however good topic.
    I needs to spend some time finding out much more or understanding more.

    Thanks for wonderful information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.

  78. Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine.
    Please let me know where you got your theme.
    Cheers

  79. I just couldn’t depart your web site prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed
    the usual information an individual supply in your guests?
    Is going to be again steadily in order to investigate cross-check new posts

  80. First off I would like to say superb blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
    I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind
    prior to writing. I’ve had a hard time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out there.
    I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted simply
    just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips?
    Thank you!

  81. Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.

    Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very
    techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
    I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where
    to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Appreciate it

  82. Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old
    daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the
    shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her
    ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  83. Usually I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very compelled me to
    try and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me.

    Thanks, quite great post.

  84. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have truly
    enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed
    and I hope you write again soon!

  85. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my web site so i came to “return the favor”.I am trying
    to find things to enhance my website!I suppose its ok
    to use some of your ideas!!

  86. I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills
    as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
    Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see
    a nice blog like this one nowadays.

  87. Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and
    I was wanting to know your situation; we have developed some
    nice practices and we are looking to trade solutions with others, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.

  88. Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group?
    There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content.
    Please let me know. Cheers

  89. Great post however , I was wanting to know if you could
    write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more.

    Kudos!

  90. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s
    very hard to get that “perfect balance” between usability and appearance.
    I must say you have done a great job with this. Also, the blog loads very fast
    for me on Firefox. Superb Blog!

  91. Great article! This is the type of info that should be shared around the internet.
    Disgrace on Google for now not positioning this
    submit upper! Come on over and consult with my web
    site . Thanks =)

  92. Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea
    shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She
    put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab
    inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
    LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

  93. I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both equally
    educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head.
    The issue is an issue that not enough people are speaking intelligently about.
    Now i’m very happy that I came across this in my hunt
    for something regarding this.

  94. Asking questions are genuinely nice thing if you are not understanding anything totally, however this piece of writing
    provides good understanding even.

  95. Hi would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.

    The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs
    and I’m looking for something unique. P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  96. Hey there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you
    know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly.

    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the
    same results.

  97. I will right away grab your rss as I can not to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink
    or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly permit me recognise so that
    I may just subscribe. Thanks.

  98. My family members all the time say that I am wasting my time
    here at web, but I know I am getting know-how all the time by reading such fastidious articles.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *