Chapter 2. The Origins of the Movement

Humans have been makers since the dawn of our history. In fact, you could say human history began because we were such prodigious makers. Today, we are experiencing a renaissance in Do It Yourself (DIY) technology: the old maker tools of hammers, chisels, pliers, and tongs are being augmented by tablet computers, collaborative software, crowdsourcing, and desktop manufacturing. Sometimes the act of “making” is more digital, and all of these tools are replaced by a small portable computer.

The last 10 years have seen the growth of hackerspaces, makerspaces, and Fab Labs: workshops where lovers and creators of technology, mechanics, interaction, and art can meet, share their knowledge, and collaborate to ...

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