Partnered with
Regional Makeathon
Hosted at the Geelong Tech School
in March 2023
Theme: "Sports & Recreation"
Photos and videos
NOW AVAIlABLE!
Thank you to all the Need-Knowers, Makers, Mentors and Geelong Tech School Staff on behalf of the TOM: Melbourne team for such a great Regional Makeathon for 2023.
To see a rundown of the events during the Makeathon weekend, check out our socials and subscribe to our email list for access to our Monthly Newsletters.
Our official photos and videos for the TOM: Melbourne Regional Makeathon 2023 are now available on our gallery page.
aBOUT THE PROGRAM
The TOM: Melbourne Makeathon is traditionally a weekend marathon of making. This time, combining a mix of online and face-to-face sessions, the Makeathon will take place over a number of sessions.
We work with people with disability who have a specific need (‘Need-Knowers’) and connect them with a diverse group of professionals, including engineers, industrial designers, health professionals and tradespeople (‘Makers’).
Together, their aim is to co-design a solution that solves a complex problem and improve the everyday life of the Need-Knower. The intellectual property for every design is then shared through open source digital files on the TOM website, so others can replicate or iterate it.
timeline
Applications
(Closed)
PreTOM
1 March
(6pm, online)
Design Nights (x2)
8 March and 15 March
(6pm, online)
Makeathon
25 and 26 March
(Geelong Tech School)
Showcase
26 March
(Geelong Tech School)
TOM 2.0
TBC
Applications closed FOR NOW
to let us know you're interested in future Makeathons!
BECOME A
MAKER
Do you like problem solving, innovating and thinking outside the box? Do you want to volunteer your skills to make a real difference in the lives of those living with a disability?
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Makers are engineers, designers, software and hardware developers, allied health professionals, hobbyists with a passion for social change.
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Makers are placed in small teams and connected with Need-Knowers (individuals living a disability, support workers, family members, health professionals etc.) who will present their challenge.
BECOME A
NEED-KNOWER
Do you, or someone you know, have lived experience of a disability? Do you have a specific accessibility challenge?
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Need-Knowers can be individuals living with a disability, support workers, family members, allied health professionals, or anyone with an intimate understanding of a neglected accessibility challenge.
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Need-Knowers join forces with teams of Makers with a passion for social change and problem solving to create a solution for a challenge presented by the Need-Knower.
Please note:
Whilst it is our aim is to ensure each team has the best possible chance of developing a solution that the Need-Knower can continue to use after the Makeathon, we cannot guarantee Need-Knowers will receive a working prototype solution given the nature of the program's limited time and resources. For any unfinished prototypes, we will work with the team to determine next steps.
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What is a Makeathon?The Makeathon is a weekend marathon of making. We work with people with a disability who have a specific need (‘Need-Knowers’) and connect them with a diverse group of professionals, including engineers, industrial designers, health professionals and tradespeople (‘Makers’). Together, they aim to co-design a solution that solves a complex problem and improve the everyday life of the Need-Knower. The intellectual property for every design is then shared through open source digital files, so others can replicate or iterate it.
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What is assistive technology?Assistive technology is an umbrella term for any device or system that allows individuals to perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do, or increases the ease and safety with which tasks can be performed. ​ Assistive technology can be anything from a simple device in the kitchen to a complex electric wheelchair or a computer application. You can find more information here: https://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/assistive_technology.html
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What do you mean by open source digital product files?TOM’s vision is a world in which technology and innovation allow every person access to affordable solutions to their needs. To achieve this, all digital product files that are created will be uploaded to the TOM web-platform, where anyone around the world can download and replicate the solution.
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What is a digital product file?A digital product file is documentation of the development of the product. It includes information about the product as well as a list of all the tools and materials as well as assembly instructions to recreate the product.
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Who can participate?Anyone! We look for a diverse range of participants, from engineers, occupational therapists, students, corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, designers, tech geeks, problem solvers and everything in between. If you have the will, you have the skill.
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Do I need experience to attend?Not at all. The Makeathon is a great place to learn new skills and meet new people!
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Can we work on our idea before the event?We encourage this! Feel free to start researching or designing or making before the Makeathon. This includes sketches, 3D designs, code, graphics, etc.
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What should I bring to the Makeathon?The majority of materials will be provided to help you make your prototype and we will share details on what personal items to bring at the start of the program (e.g. laptop, drink bottle etc.)
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Will there be food and drinks?Yes! We will be providing food, drinks and snacks so you can focus on making.
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Can I apply even if I do not live in Metro/Regional Melbourne, or if I live far from the event location?Yes you can definitely apply! However please note participants are expected to attend in-person on the Makeathon weekend at the respective event location. Be sure to note down your location in your application and we can chat further.
