University of Calgary PRISM: University of Calgary's Digital Repository Graduate Studies The Vault: Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2019-10-31 Makers in the Workshop op'tLand, Raymond Michael op'tLand, R. M. (2019). Makers in the Workshop (Unpublished doctoral thesis). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. http://hdl.handle.net/1880/111198 doctoral thesis University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission. Downloaded from PRISM: https://prism.ucalgary.ca UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY Makers in the Workshop by Raymond Michael op’t Land A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY GRADUATE PROGRAM IN COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES CALGARY, ALBERTA OCTOBER, 2019 © Raymond Michael op’t Land 2019 Abstract Makerspaces have grown as sites of innovation since the turn of the 21st century, but the processes and methods by which they have directly contributed to innovation have been underexplored. Makerspaces exist as communal hi-tech workshops that draw on networks of knowledge in order to create their community, and they live and die by this community as well. Building on literature on both innovation and communication, this dissertation will examine the communities at three specific makerspaces in the Calgary area, and ethnographic fieldwork and participant observation will inform the rich text that serves as the data for the case study approach. By examining the development process at makerspaces, this research asks 1) how are the ideas and inspirations for the development of a new technology transferred between developers and their collaborators, 2) what sources of inspiration and new knowledge do the developers use for both the subjective and functional components of their design, and finally 3) what is the role of the makerspace as a third place where developers can collaborate and share ideas during the development process? This research contributes in three areas: 1) it informs current theories on innovation on the processes that involve subjective elements in the process of innovation; 2) it advances the literature on makerspaces and their communication processes, especially their study in Canada, and 3) it initiates and advocates for the development of a critical maker studies, as a counterpart to much of the literature in the area published to date. Keywords: innovation, makerspaces, communication, ethnography, critical maker studies ii Acknowledgements This work could not have been completed without the encouragement and generosity of many, many people over the years. First and foremost, this includes the varied members of the University of Calgary Inno Lab, from 2006-2010, including Dan Meeking, Stefan Mendritzki, Ben Li, Meaghan Brierley, Kelly Bergstrom, Jacob Foster, Dr. Cooper Langford, and Dr. Richard Hawkins. The work and discussions there formed the foundation for what I know about innovation. The makers of the Calgary region, those creating, making, organizing and running the events that are the lifeblood of a maker community were also instrumental, generously answering my questions. Throughout my academic career I have learned an incredible amount from my cohort and their collective intelligence, and they have always been patient in explaining things to me: AnneMarie Dorland, Rebecca Carruthers Den Hoed, Mohammed Eshfalani, and TA Pattinson all commented on draft versions of this document, and I thank them specifically. Finally, my friends and family have been a source of continued support, encouraging me along the way: Sharen op’tLand, Eugene op’tLand, Derek Nyen, Jeffrey Oneski, Dwayne Kowalchuk, John Tanaka, and Chad Gould-Hawke. And most of all, Anna Li. Thank you all so much. iii Dedication In loving memory of Jan (John) op’tLand (1938-2013). Machinist, Draftsman, Maker, Father. iv Table of Contents Abstract .............................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................... iii Dedication ......................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ...............................................................................................................v List of Tables .................................................................................................................... ix List of Figures and Illustrations .......................................................................................x Glossary ............................................................................................................................ xi Epigraph .......................................................................................................................... xii Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................................1 1.1 Relevance ..................................................................................................................2 1.2 Context ......................................................................................................................3 1.3 Audience & Significance .........................................................................................5 1.4 Theoretical Overview ..............................................................................................6 1.5 Methods and Approach ...........................................................................................8 1.6 Outline .......................................................................................................................8 Section I: Review of Literature .......................................................................................11 Chapter 2: Makerspaces..................................................................................................12 2.1 Makerspaces ...........................................................................................................12 2.1.1 Makers ............................................................................................................17 2.2.1 Maker History, Politics, & Ideology ..................................................................18 2.3 Maker Communications & Culture .....................................................................25 2.3.1 New Media ......................................................................................................25 2.3.2 Old Media .......................................................................................................26 2.3.3 Maker Identity: Culture & Brand ...............................................................27 2.3.4 Events and Competitions ..............................................................................27 2.3.5 Brand ..............................................................................................................28 2.4 Maker Research: Schools of Thought ..................................................................29 2.5 The Challenge of Making ......................................................................................32 Chapter 3: Innovation .....................................................................................................34 3.1 Three eras of Innovation Thought: ......................................................................36 3.2 Phase 1: Schumpeterian Innovation ....................................................................37 3.2.1 Innovation ......................................................................................................38 3.2.2 Invention .........................................................................................................39 3.2.3 Technology .....................................................................................................40 3.2.4 Entrepreneur ..................................................................................................42 3.2.5 The Firm .........................................................................................................43 3.3 Phase 2: Neo-Schumpeterian Innovation Theories .............................................44 3.3.1 Diffusion .........................................................................................................47 3.4 Phase 3: The Current Era of Innovation Theory................................................49 3.4.1 The School of User-driven Innovation .........................................................50 3.4.2 The Soft Innovation School ...........................................................................52 v 3.4.3 The Current Era Neo-Schumpeterian School .............................................55 3.4.4 Incipient Theories of Innovation ..................................................................56 3.4.4.1 Common Innovation .............................................................................57 3.5 Understanding the Current Era of Innovation Theories: Process, Source, and Context ..................................................................................................................58