Abstract
This paper presents the design and implementation of an integrated system that combines a smartphone application and digital signage to support creative learning in university maker spaces. The system aims to enhance operational efficiency, accessibility, and sustained user engagement by offering intuitive equipment reservation, facility guidance, and visibility of production examples. Motivated by the challenges of managing digital fabrication facilities—such as inefficient booking systems and the lack of accessible knowledge-sharing tools—we developed a user-centered platform that responds to diverse user needs, from experienced makers to beginners. The mobile app enables users to reserve equipment and access FAQs, usage guides, and production archives. The digital signage displays real-time information including equipment availability, upcoming workshops, and student projects, reinforcing awareness and participation through spatial and visual communication. Both interfaces are connected via a shared backend using WordPress CMS and a reservation management API, allowing synchronized content updates by non-technical staff. The system was deployed in a university makerspace and evaluated through facility usage logs and user interviews. Results indicated a significant increase in user activity and revealed that the system reduced barriers for novice users while inspiring exploration through visible examples and intuitive design. Staff members also reported improved workflow due to flexible content editing tools and minimal reliance on IT support. The study demonstrates the potential of integrating mobile and physical interfaces to support creative learning environments, and it provides practical insights for future deployment in resource-constrained educational settings.
Keywords
Makerspace; Design Education; User-Centered Digital Archives; Interactive System Design
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.719
Citation
Hirokazu, K., School, H.U., Ayako, I.,and Yui, N.(2025) Designing an Integrated Mobile and Signage System to Support Creative Learning in University Makerspaces, in Chang, C.-Y., and Hsu, Y. (eds.), IASDR 2025: Design Next, 02-05 December, Taiwan. https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.719
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Conference Track
Track 12 - Design Education
Designing an Integrated Mobile and Signage System to Support Creative Learning in University Makerspaces
This paper presents the design and implementation of an integrated system that combines a smartphone application and digital signage to support creative learning in university maker spaces. The system aims to enhance operational efficiency, accessibility, and sustained user engagement by offering intuitive equipment reservation, facility guidance, and visibility of production examples. Motivated by the challenges of managing digital fabrication facilities—such as inefficient booking systems and the lack of accessible knowledge-sharing tools—we developed a user-centered platform that responds to diverse user needs, from experienced makers to beginners. The mobile app enables users to reserve equipment and access FAQs, usage guides, and production archives. The digital signage displays real-time information including equipment availability, upcoming workshops, and student projects, reinforcing awareness and participation through spatial and visual communication. Both interfaces are connected via a shared backend using WordPress CMS and a reservation management API, allowing synchronized content updates by non-technical staff. The system was deployed in a university makerspace and evaluated through facility usage logs and user interviews. Results indicated a significant increase in user activity and revealed that the system reduced barriers for novice users while inspiring exploration through visible examples and intuitive design. Staff members also reported improved workflow due to flexible content editing tools and minimal reliance on IT support. The study demonstrates the potential of integrating mobile and physical interfaces to support creative learning environments, and it provides practical insights for future deployment in resource-constrained educational settings.