Is Making Really Connecting? Research on Pro-Ams DIY Experience of Making.

This presentation delves into the fascinating interplay between time and sensory experiences in the vibrant world of DIY culture. By focusing on the influence of temporal rhythms and flows on the practices of amateur makers, we aim to uncover the profound impact of everyday temporalities on identity formation and sensory engagement.

Utilizing a range of research methods including participant observation, video and online diaries, and mapping, we delve into the intricate social and material dimensions of making in individual workshops and makerspaces. Our investigation explores the profound relationship between makers, tools, and materials, as well as the rich social connections that are forged through these activities. Inspired by David Gauntlett’s Making is Connecting, our research reveals how DIYers not only craft objects but also form meaningful bonds with their physical and social environments, finding deep significance in the process.

In an era of accelerated living, our research sheds light on how shifting temporalities impact DIY culture and the knowledge of makers who transition from amateurs to pro-amateurs. By emphasizing the intertwining of everyday creation practices with time and sensory experiences, we unveil their emotional and affective dimensions in the Anthropocene.

This project is a collaboration between the Faculty of Humanities at the AGH University of Science and Technology and the Institute for Urban and Regional Development, and is generously funded by the National Science Center (NCN OPUS 23 2022/45/B/HS2/01554).