#3DPrintConfChi

1. Learning by Making:
The Illinois MakerLab
Aric Rindfleisch
Vishal Sachdev
University of Illinois
July 11, 2013
3D PRINTING EXPO: CHICAGO

2. Agenda
1. Experiential Learning
2. 3D Printing Initiatives in Higher Ed
3. The Illinois MakerLab
4. Implications for Business

3. Experiential Learning

4. I HEAR AND I FORGET
I SEE AND I REMEMBER
I DO AND I UNDERSTAND

6. Experiential Learning
1. Participative
2. Interactive
3. Real world contact
4. Uncertainty
5. Feedback

7. Market Information Lab

9. Student Comments
“It was empowering to be in control of something so
innovative. I almost felt like I was part of making
history.”—Ellen
“This exercise was my favorite because we were actually
able to make a product that we could touch and hold.”—
Michelle
“It allows consumers to be creators rather than buyers. I
think this is one of the coolest aspects of 3D printing
because we no longer have to rely on corporations for all
of our needs.”—Mike
“There was a feeling of accomplishment and pride that came
with making the cookie cutter.”—Rachel

10. Definition: Learning by Making
“Learning by making involves an interactive
and hands-on process in which students
learn through the design and creation of new
objects.”—Rindfleisch & Sachdev 2013

11. 3D Printing Initiatives

13. 3D Printing Service

14. 3D Print Club

15. ThinkLab

16. think[box]

17. “The future is
already here.
It’s just not evenly
distributed.”
—William Gibson

18. MakerLab.illinois.edu
Learn, Make, Share

19. “The world’s first
Business School
3D Printing Lab”

20. Our Mission
To provide University of Illinois students and
faculty with the knowledge and resources to
be at the forefront of the emerging Maker
Movement.

21. Our Profile
Hardware: 10 MakerBot Replicator 3D Printers
Software: Inventor & Tinkercad
Number of Employees: 5 + multiple volunteers
Number of Visitors (as of 7/9/13): 600+
Colleges Served: Business, Engineering, Letters & Science,
Architecture & Art & Design
Total Printing Hours: 1,000+
Press Coverage: Daily Illini, Perspectives Magazine, BizEd, WCIA
News

22. Our Activities
Student Tours & Introduction to 3D Printing
Teaching and Research Support
Open Printing Sessions
Monthly Meetups
Tutorials
“Making Things” Course
Road Shows

23. Our Lab

24. StudentTours

25. Jeff’s Lightbulbs

26. Ben’s WiFi Display

27. Tina’s Spider Shoes

28. Robohand
Source: dezeen.com

29. Tutorials

30. “MakingThings” Course
Learn:
Product conceptualization
Digital design
3D fabrication
Make:
Identify a market need
Design a new product
Print prototypes
Share:
Upload on Thingiverse
Market via Kickstarter, Ponoko, or Shapeways

31. Business Implications

32. Challenges
1. Most students still haven’t heard of
3D printing.
2. Less than 1% have ever seen a 3D
printer in operation.
3. Even fewer have the skills to create
their own designs.
4. Few schools offer hands-on 3D
printing resources.

33. An Easy Question
“If you could buy anything,
what would you buy?”

34. ATough Question
“If you could make
anything, what would you
make?”

35. Opportunities
1. Access to 3D printers is rapidly
expanding outside of academia.
2. 3D design software is quickly
becoming more accessible.
3. Contact with 3D printing is highly
engaging and often addicting.

36. Eric Chapman

37. Engage with MakerLab
1. Corporate sponsorship opportunities
2. Faculty & student research projects
3. Students available for jobs & internships
4. 3D design & printing services
5. Guest speaker opportunities

38. ThankYou!
uimakerlab@illinois.edu
@uiMakerLab
http://MakerLab.illinois.edu