In a fablab, laboratory, or makerspace, showcasing your machines is crucial for the success and appeal of your space. Whether it’s to reflect a dynamic image, reassure your members, optimize bookings, or prevent misuse, highlighting your equipment ensures you get the most out of your resources. Discover why and how to effectively showcase the machines in your fablab and get inspired by practices implemented by users of the Fab-Manager management tool.

Why showcasing your machines is essential for your Fablab

Creating an attractive and dynamic image of your space

Highlighting the machines in your fablab or makerspace helps create a dynamic image of your facility and demonstrates to potential members the wide range of creative possibilities available. This visibility allows you to better target your audience.

Each type of machine offers unique possibilities. For instance, a fablab with a diverse array of textile machines will attract fashion designers, costume designers, and artisans experimenting with new techniques. By showcasing the diversity and specificity of your equipment, you help members visualize what they can create and achieve in your space, positioning your facility as a vibrant and innovative hub.

Reassuring and engaging your members

Properly showcasing your machines also reassures your members by providing all the necessary information for correct equipment use. When users know exactly which machines are available, how to operate them, and the conditions for access, they feel more confident and engaged. A clear presentation of the machines fosters a sense of security and encourages members to explore new techniques and make the most of their time at the fablab.

Optimizing bookings and increasing equipment utilization

Making your machines visible and providing detailed information about their usage facilitates reservations. Using an online management tool like Fab-Manager, which allows you to present equipment and manage bookings, is an effective way to increase your machines' utilization rates. The more your equipment is showcased, the more frequently it is used, boosting reservation revenue and energizing the overall activity of your fablab or makerspace.

Preventing misuse and protecting your equipment

Showcasing your machines also helps prevent misuse that could damage your equipment. By offering detailed documentation and clear tutorials, you minimize the risk of operational errors. Properly showcasing and documenting your machines not only extends their lifespan but also ensures a high level of service for your members.

Effective strategies to showcase your Fablab equipment

Optimize machine visibility with an online management tool

To effectively showcase your equipment, the first step is to make it visible. Using a website or an online management tool like Fab-Manager can greatly facilitate this task. Such software allows you to create comprehensive machine profiles complete with descriptions, photos, and videos. Moreover, it promotes bookings by enabling users to view equipment availability in real-time and book directly online. Centralizing information and reservations in one tool enhances the visibility and appeal of your machines.

Develop an impactful visual presentation

Properly showcasing your machines involves a well-crafted visual presentation. Utilize real photos of each machine, diagrams, or images showing the machines in their working environment. For instance, the Fabdulys at the Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture Centre Social (MJCCS) in Saint Lys has opted for colorful and original visuals of their machines: Fabdulys. Attractive visuals capture attention and entice members to explore and use the equipment.

Provide organized and detailed descriptions for each equipment

Clear and well-organized descriptions are crucial for showcasing your machines. Adopt descriptive plans that facilitate reading and comprehension for users. By structuring information clearly and logically, you make it easier for members to access and understand details, which reassures them and encourages machine usage.

Offer downloadable and accessible resources

Provide downloadable PDF sheets that summarize best usage practices or safety instructions for each machine. These documents can be easily printed or accessed by users to prepare for safe equipment use. Additionally, you can create supplementary training materials, such as user manuals or technical guides, to help members develop their skills and use the machines independently.

Image of a sewing machine by Cornell Frühauf from Pixabay

Image by Cornell Frühauf from Pixabay

Concrete examples of successful equipment valorization in Fablabs

Fablab de Vichy: A simple and effective organization

The Fablab de Vichy has implemented a straightforward four-part organization to showcase its machines. Each machine profile includes a general description, usage instructions, pricing information, and file preparation recommendations. Often, a downloadable user manual complements these machine profiles. This clear and concise format allows users to quickly understand how to use each machine. For more details, visit: Fablab de Vichy.

Carrefour Numérique at Cité des Sciences: Emphasizing the context of use

The Carrefour Numérique at Cité des Sciences takes a different approach by focusing on the context of machine use. Their guide is structured into three main sections: "Before Using a Machine," "What a One-Hour Slot Includes," and "Files and Materials to Use." This structure ensures that users have all the necessary information to optimize their use of the machines. Discover more at: Carrefour Numérique.

Fablab de La Verrière & L'Édulab: Valorization through the use of tutorials

Both Fablab de La Verrière and L'Édulab at the University of Rennes II have chosen to enhance their equipment value by providing educational resources tailored to each machine. L'Édulab offers video tutorials, while Fablab de La Verrière provides downloadable PDF tutorials. These resources guide users step-by-step in mastering the machines, offering accessible and practical support to foster autonomy and proficiency with the equipment. For more information, visit: Fablab de La Verrière and L'Édulab.

Lessons learned and best practices

From these examples, it is evident that the key to effective equipment valorization lies in providing clear information, accessible resources, and engaging visuals. Each fablab can draw inspiration from these practices to optimize the use of their equipment and enhance the overall user experience.

By effectively showcasing your machines, you can enhance the appeal of your fablab, attract new members, and retain existing users. Increased equipment visibility, streamlined reservations, and prevention of misuse all contribute to optimizing the use of your resources while providing a rewarding and secure experience for your members. Implement these strategies today to make the most of your machines and energize your space, whether it’s a fablab, makerspace, or laboratory!

FAQ

  • How should I prioritize which machines to showcase in my fablab? It’s essential to start by showcasing the most frequently used machines or those that provide unique value to your fablab. Analyze your members’ preferences and prioritize the equipment that meets their specific needs. Focus on machines that are central to your projects and attract interest from potential and existing users.
  • Can I view projects completed with a specific machine in Fab-Manager? Yes, with Fab-Manager, you can view projects completed using a specific machine. The software automatically links these projects to the machine’s profile, allowing users to see past creations and find inspiration for their own projects. This feature enhances visibility and provides valuable context for each machine’s capabilities.
  • Is it necessary to create videos for all the machines? Videos are especially useful for complex machines or those that require detailed explanations. However, you don’t need to create videos for every machine right away. Start with the most complex or frequently used machines, then gauge member feedback before deciding whether to expand video content to additional equipment.