The Maker Games
Originally developed for the Museum of Making, Derby, UK, The Maker Games celebrates the creativity in problem solving that is the seed of industry and invention through fast-paced events comprised of games, fun and competitions designed to make your blood boil and your spots pop.
The Maker games is a collaboration between artists/ educators Lawrence Molloy and Sophie Powell. Taking Industrial Heritage as inspiration and building upon our experience working with Scientists, Technologists and Educators the aim of The Maker Games is to create a humorous and surreal environment where games develop skills, confidence and self belief of individuals and groups. Thought doing this we hope to empower indiviuals and groups to create of new products, prototypes and solutions for problems they encounter every day.
The Setup of the Maker Games
The Maker Games comprises of a number of fast pace games and an assault-course that take advantage of the skill sets and interests of individuals who make up the teams. Each game has a simple premise, but the opportunity for complex problem solving. We invite teams of mixed ages, abilities and backgrounds to take part in prototyping extravaganzas the like of which have not been seen since the Wright Brothers proved everyone else wrong. Artists, makers and the technologically aware/ curious are invited to solve problems of flight, future energy solutions, devise intriguing solutions for difficult clients and move slinkies across flat surfaces.
Each Maker Games, by necessity of location, expected participants and brief of the client has been a one of a kind but games/ rounds so far included:
- Paper Aeroplane Challenge
- Slinky Races
- Communications Games
- Giant hat making
- Performing a website
- Cardboard prototyping.
- Real world prototype testing
If you are interested in hosting or hiring The Maker Games for your Maker Space, Festival or Business then please contact me and Sophie and I can discuss designing a tailor made event that will suit you.
The Maker Games Derby, The Museum of Making, 2016
Photographs by Chris Seddon