Problem

Makerspace at Harvard is a creative hub equipped with tools like laser cutting, 3D printers, and electronics workstations, designed to inspire students and faculty to experiment and innovate. While the technology offers immense potential for creativity, its complexity can be intimidating. To address these issues, we decided to combine Makerspace with AI technology to create a personalized AI tutor. This tool offers step-by-step guidance on using the equipment, making the space more accessible and encouraging broader participation in the maker culture.

Learn more about our specific models here.

Solution

To create our personalized AI tutor for Makerspace, we took several steps:

Organized different machine models in Makerspace and related instructions as raw material input to Generative AI, and training data to generate accurate models that match the various machines in Makerspace. This is like a translator because different machines are equipped with various design software. People only need to input simple commands to generate and translate into design language, and it will produce the expected effect images.

For more generated expected product images, please click on the link.

Trained Personal AI Tutor: Design Prompt Design Rationale (Role and Goal, Instructions, Pedagogy, Constraints, Personalization) to accurately train the AI Tutor to ensure that people from different fields are able to understand the machines (AI Tutor will use disciplinary thinking to provide people from different backgrounds with cases in their familiar fields.).

Collected and analyzed data in actual use to facilitate future upgrades and modifications.

By taking these steps, we were able to create an AI tutor that could help anyone learn how to use the equipment in Makerspace, regardless of their background or skill level.

Impact

Increased accessibility to Makerspace for people who previously felt intimidated by the equipment.
Prompt and accurate answers to any problems encountered in the Makerspace, giving better product design suggestions.
Data collected through Makerspace can be used to upgrade and reflect on AI Tutor.

"This personalized AI tutor has had an incredible impact on our ability to make Makerspace more accessible and user-friendly for everyone."

Team

Generative AI - Computer Programming Professionals
- Organized machine models and related instructions as raw material input to Generative AI.
- Trained Personal AI Tutor using Prompt Design Rationale.
Makerspace staff - Provide technical guidance
- Skill coaching on the various machines in the Makerspace (helping to design the prompt together).
- Supervised the whole process, e.g. safety, rationalization, and feasibility.
Product Designer
- Evaluating AI Tutor's User Experiences
- Help make AI Tutor more user-friendly

Personalized AI Tutor make Makerspace more user-friendly