The Maker Scavengerhunt
Engaging kids in making
This is a research through design project I set up and conducted within the FEM*mad research project. The Maker Scavengerhunt app and workshops were designed as research tool to conduct a study on the reducing of gender inequality in makerspaces by engaging kids in making.
Research project
FEM*mad
Year
2021-2023
Skills
Academic research, UX/UI design, Figma, Adobe XD, qualitative research and data analysis methods, ethical research practices
About FEM*MAD
FEM*mad (Female Engagements in Making – Making A Difference) researches ways to reduce the gender gap in making and promote inclusive access to makerspaces. Read more about the project here. I worked within the project for nearly two years as a junior researcher. I also contributed on a publication within the project.
A maker workshop for kids
At Happylab Vienna, we organised a workshop where the kids were guided by an app through a making process in which they built their own nightlight. During the workshops, data was collected through observations, the kids’ input in the app and interviews.
As the research involved children, I implemented enhanced ethical practices, including creating a child-friendly consent form. This form used pictures and drawings to explain the study, data handling, and their right to withdraw at any time, ensuring the children could fully understand and actively consent to their participation.
The map
The app is designed as a scavengerhunt, dividing the process into small steps, following a microlearning approach. I worked on the design and flow of the app in Figma and created the drawings.
The data collected via the app was analysed using a content analysis method, where different data sources could be combined, analysed and assessed to form results.
The results
Different qualitative methods, such as content analysis and thematic analysis, were used to analyse the data collected for the study. The results were gathered and discussed in a paper that has not yet been published.
For the kids, it was a great success. They were all very excited with their new nightlights and expressed that they had a great time during the workshop.
