Understanding Makerspaces and Their Dynamics

Makerspaces often originate from a small circle of friends, typically consisting of four to ten individuals who share a vision for creating a collaborative community. In these early stages, the members are usually highly passionate and driven, working together to establish the makerspace. Founders often emphasize principles like transparency and democratic decision-making, fostering a culture where consensus is key to maintaining harmony and belonging.

Anthropologist Robin Dunbar's research highlights a "magic number" of 150 for maintaining social relationships. His studies, which examine the correlation between brain size and group dynamics, suggest that our neocortex—the brain region linked to cognition and communication—limits the size of cohesive social groups. As such, the complexity of relationships within a community is naturally constrained by this number.

As a makerspace expands to around 150 members, the challenge of sustaining familiarity, trust, and goodwill among members becomes increasingly pronounced. While it's feasible for camaraderie to thrive within a group of up to 50 members—a number that Dunbar associates with manageable friendships—some exceptionally well-organized makerspaces can maintain a healthy environment even as they approach 150 members, particularly if led by an inspiring figure who can unify the group.

Participating in a makerspace during this developmental stage can be incredibly rewarding. A community with fewer than 150 members often allows for deeper connections and problem-solving capabilities. Unfortunately, many smaller makerspaces struggle to reach even 50 members. Therefore, if you find a makerspace in your locality that remains within this manageable range, it’s worth considering joining. However, be mindful that exceeding 150 members can lead to a decline in community satisfaction.

Once a makerspace surpasses the 150-member threshold, it becomes increasingly challenging to nurture a cohesive community. Our inherent limitations in maintaining social connections become evident as the demands of time and effort required to sustain relationships grow unmanageable. The practice of social grooming—engaging in light conversation and maintaining friendships—may become insufficient, leading to a loss of connections with even the most motivated members.

I have observed this phenomenon numerous times, even within single organizations.

What are your thoughts on this? How many members does your makerspace have? Have you noticed a decline in trust and healthy interactions as membership increased?

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Mark Havens is the Founder and Executive Director of the Dallas Maker Community (DMC), a nonprofit that supports the largest all-volunteer makerspace in the U.S. DMC is committed to fostering maker-focused marketing and leadership education for maker organizations across North Texas.

Chapter 1: The Birth of Makerspaces

Makerspaces typically begin with a close-knit group of friends...

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Section 1.1: The Role of Community in Makerspaces

Makerspaces thrive on community engagement and shared values...

Subsection 1.1.1: The Founder's Influence

Chapter 2: Navigating Growth and Relationships

In Adam Savage's live stream, he discusses the essential freelance rules, including how to communicate difficult news to clients. These insights are vital for anyone navigating the complexities of professional relationships.

The video "What is Northwich Maker Space?" provides an overview of how this particular makerspace operates and the value it brings to the community, showcasing its unique approach and offerings.