Maker Studio: Survey + Tiny Café

The Maker Studio opened at the Hunt Library on March 31, 2025. In Fall 2025, we launched a survey and coordinated a Tiny Café (pop-up interview table) to gauge awareness of the new space and evaluate how well it was serving users. 

Overall, participants' responses indicate that the Maker Studio has a positive reputation and that there is broad interest in its offerings. While more than half of respondents hadn’t yet visited the Maker Studio, most of them anticipated using the space several times per semester, suggesting that strong interest exists and just requires opportunity. 

One participant noted, "It's so nice to finally have a makerspace back on Centennial Campus that is easily accessible from my work location and well stocked with materials.”

Staff

There was highly positive feedback about the staff in the space. Makerspaces can be very intimidating places, so the fact that patrons who use the space feel supported and enjoy the space affirms the hard work done by the Maker Studio’s staff.

One participant said that the Maker Studio has "everything I'd want to do there, and I absolutely love the current staff ... they are really easy to talk to.”

Equipment and tools

The equipment that participants were most interested in included 3D printers, large worktables and electronics/soldering equipment, reflecting both engineering interests and personal projects. Some participants expressed that they weren’t sure what could be done or had no ideas for what to do in the space.

Participants often drew a contrast between making things for class versus fun/personal projects. They emphasized the importance of creative outlets on an engineering campus. 

Name confusion

At least four interview participants confused the Maker Studio with media studios (like the audio rooms). We may investigate this confusion with more targeted user research in the future.