Exploring rapid prototyping through practice and experience, the “Erasmus+” Blended Intensive Program (BIP) MAKERS 5.0, for the third time, brought together a group of talented students from two ATHENA European University Alliance universities – VILNIUS TECH and the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, along with students from TTK University of Applied Sciences (Estonia), Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT (Finland), Daugavpils University (Latvia).
The VILNIUS TECH Creativity and Innovation Centre “LinkMenų fabrikas” summer school was designed for beginner students. By creating and learning in groups, these students not only deepened their knowledge in 3D printing, electronics, sustainable design, design thinking, and metal and wood processing, but also improved their teamwork, presentation, and time management skills.
From 3D Printing to Promoting Sustainable Design Thinking
The MAKERS 5.0 school lasted for two weeks. During the first week, participants engaged in remote learning, delving into the summer school’s themes and completing various interactive tasks. Remote lectures were delivered by VILNIUS TECH “LinkMenų fabrikas” prototype laboratory lecturers and guest speakers. Karolina Kužmarskytė, project manager at the Lithuanian Innovation Centre, spoke to the students about the importance of sustainability in design and the significance of the circular economy in designing tomorrow’s products.
In the second week, students met in person and began implementing their projects, aiming to apply their theoretical knowledge practically. Over four days, students had to physically realise their planned projects using rapid prototyping technologies. During these days, students intensely designed, printed, cut, painted, and soldered prototypes of their creations. On the last day of the summer school, Friday, students presented their prototypes and their functionality logic, defending their chosen designs and their sustainable elements before a review panel.
Prototypes Created by Students
Students created and presented the following prototypes:
- An interactive table decoration-reminder designed to track one’s sports routine and maintain motivation.
- A pizza sauce dispenser for restaurants and pizzerias that evenly distributes sauce by rotating the pizza base.
- An alarm clock that wakes people up with appropriate music, discourages the use of smartphones before sleep, and has other functions.
- A game prototype called “Mysterious Thinker,” similar to the “Magic 8-Ball,” which helps people make life decisions more easily.
The aim of the international summer school “MAKERS 5.0” is to enhance students’ competencies and broaden their international experience through innovative teaching methods.
