Mark Hatch

Last year I saw a TED Talk by Tomás Diez on the Fablab concept. This open source crafting shop is usually 2,000 square feet or so. A typical hackerspace can get as big as 4,000 square feet and sometimes larger. Taking it to the next level, a well-equipped makerspace starts at around 13,000 square feet, some run around 40,000 square feet in size when offices and classrooms are included. The Maker Movement Manifesto compiles the Rules for Innovation in the New World of Crafters, Hackers, and Tinkerers. Though many innovation books specifically zoom into software or internet applications, we’re living in houses, drive cars and travel by train, bus or subway. Machines process food and tools support us everyday. Mark Hatch has been at the front lines of the Maker Movement and TechShop since 2005. His book describes the powerful changes that are happening as individuals are increasingly becoming the innovators and creators in our society. Everything from laser cutters and milling machines to 3D printers and AutoCAD software makes them tick. Prototyping and product development at a fraction of the costs incurred a decade ago. Chris Anderson’s long tail and ‘free’ production made reality.
The creative spirit lives inside every human being. We all van be makers. So fire up your imagination, read The Maker Movement Manifesto—and start creating! The book’s full of DIY examples, successful start-ups, great products. Downside of all this enthusiasm is that everything seems to be told multiple times. The book and the writing process could be cheaper and more efficient themselves. A prototype for an improved version?… (más)

ARC provided by NetGalley

Mark Hatch has been one of the leaders of the Maker Movement, the movement that's about creating, breathing life into new ideas, and helping the world create and shape the future. In this book Mark shares just what the Maker Movement is and how TechSpace, the company he's CEO of, and others like it have made it possible for everyday people to create the products they've always dreamed of without having to spend a fortune.

Here's the best thing about the book: Mark isn't talking about how TechSpace and other companies like it change the world, he's talking about the people that are changing the world. Places like TechSpace make it possible because the everyday person can get access to tools, computer programs, help, and everything else they need at a small cost. 10 years ago if I were going to go out and try to make a better mousetrap it could cost $100,000 or more just to make the product, not to mention the marketing and everything else. But now I can do for a $1,000 or less. Mark shares with us about a roadie for Sting who created a soccer ball that was basically indestructible for third world countries. Or about the person that created a baby blanket for premature babies that doesn't use electricity, but can still keep them warm. And other tales.

In this book Mark encourages us to create, to make, to do something new. It's about continuing our education and a journey of making things. He breaks down this process and concept behind the Maker Movement into the easy steps of: make, share, give, learn, tool up, play, participate, support, and change. This is a book of encouragement, of hope, of passion...that everyone can create and do something to improve the world around them. It's an easy read, but a motivational one as it's not even just about making new products. It's about learning new things, even if it's just how to use a new computer program.

This is one of those books that should be on everyones shelf as a reminder to create, to make something new each day. And when you're feeling down, pick up the book and be encouraged to do. I give the book 5 out of 5 stars.… (más)