Museums have traditionally been spaces where visitors passively observe artifacts, but DIY elements are changing the game. By involving visitors in the creation process, museums foster a sense of ownership, creativity, and deeper engagement.
What is DIY (Do-It-Yourself)?
According to the Cambridge dictionary, DIY (Do-It-Yourself) is “the activity of decorating or repairing your home, or making things for your home yourself, rather than paying someone else to do it for you:” [1] This practice has grown from a niche activity into a significant cultural phenomenon, emphasizing accessibility, creativity, and self-empowerment. This is particularly evident in DIY spaces, such as laboratories, which are pivotal for grassroots innovation, fostering personal motivation and community-driven goals. [2]
Why DIY? The Science Behind Engagement
DIY fosters engagement and provides a hands-on approach to learning, encouraging curiosity and active participation. Studies show that tactile and interactive experiences stimulate deeper cognitive and emotional connections, making content more impactful for diverse audiences. This is particularly important in museums, which aim to educate while inspiring creativity and curiosity. [2] [6]
DIY Applications in Museums
In museums, DIY elements translate into interactive exhibits and workshops where visitors actively participate in creating or exploring concepts.
Examples include:
The Tech Interactive’s Biotinkering Lab, where visitors engage in hands-on biotech experiments. It is a creative space to explore biotechnology and biological sciences. Through engaging activities, the lab encourages participants to use biodesign and experiment with sustainable materials, genetics, and new technologies. Its primary focus is to make science accessible, fun, and inspiring for people of all ages. [3]
The Art of Tinkering Workshop is a three-day session at the Exploratorium designed for educators to explore tinkering as a teaching approach. Participants engage in hands-on activities, reflect on their experiences, and learn strategies to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking in their classrooms. The workshop focuses on creating supportive environments, enhancing facilitation skills, and integrating tinkering into education. [4]
Challenges of DIY in Museums
Despite their benefits, DIY initiatives face challenges. Funding constraints often limit the scope of these programs, while scalability remains a concern for integrating DIY across broader audiences. Ethical considerations, especially in fields like biotechnology, add another layer of complexity. Museums must balance creativity with safety and accessibility, ensuring that DIY activities remain inclusive and impactful. [5] [6]
Looking Forward: DIY’s Potential
The future of do-it-yourself (DIY) activities in museums is about connecting these projects with wider educational and innovative goals. By building partnerships and engaging with communities, museums can offer more DIY programs that are affordable and can benefit society. It’s important to appreciate the unique value that DIY practices bring, as they can have a positive impact on education, businesses, and more. [2][5]
Sources
- Cambridge Dictionary, “DIY,” Cambridge Dictionary. [Online]. Available: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/diy.
- M. D. Dzandu and B. Pathak, “DIY Laboratories: Their Practices and Challenges – A Systematic Literature Review,” Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, vol. 33, no. 10, pp. 1242–1254, 2021. DOI: 10.1080/09537325.2021.1968373.
- The Tech Interactive. (n.d.). “The Biotinkering Lab.” [Online]. Available: https://www.thetech.org/explore/exhibits/the-biotinkering-lab/biotinkering-community-of-practice.
- Exploratorium. (n.d.). “Art Tinkering Workshop.” [Online]. Available: https://www.exploratorium.edu/tinkering/our-work/calendar/art-tinkering-workshop.
- W. You, W. Chen, M. Agyapong, and C. Mordi, “The Business Model of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Laboratories – A Triple-Layered Perspective,” Technological Forecasting & Social Change, vol. 159, pp. 120205, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120205.
- H. Charman, “Designerly Learning: Workshops for Schools at the Design Museum,” Design and Technology Education: An International Journal, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 28–40, 2010.
