The other day I picked up a copy of Makers – The New Industrial Revolution, by Chris Anderson.
It’s an exploration of the Maker movement and its place on the world-wide stage.
If I could sum up this book with one word it would be:
Inspirational
Yes, inspirational.
He makes a good case for the argument that the Maker movement is here to stay and it’s buttressed by enthusiastic people who are empowered by the democratization of manufacturing technologies worldwide. Indeed, as one chapter is entitled, “We Are All Designers Now.”
We can all take part in designing and manufacturing products, and even help each other in the process. The internet is the great equalizer and it enables people to reach each other, and niches that, while perhaps not in the millions, are substantive enough to enable the development and growth of business. The internet also gives access to manufacturing methodologies such as 3-D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining, making the machine shop as close as your laptop.
He cites multiple case studies of companies (including his own) that leverage technology and the power of crowds (which is also the power of individual dreams) to build sustainable businesses.
The book is an easy, clean read. There is some minor redundancy in writing style but it’s not off-putting. Also, if you already are familiar with manufacturing technologies like 3-D printing, there are small chunks of the book that won’t give you any new information.
I’ve already shared this book with a friend who is involved in artistic co-creation, and this book excited him as well.
If you’d like to learn more about the Maker movement, if you’d like to be inspired by stories of how Makers are redefining manufacturing business worldwide, if you want to understand how Maker businesses have the potential to expand and become disruptive economic machines, you do want to read this book.
Ignore it at your own risk.
************
There’s a great interview with Chris Anderson, about the Maker movement, over at Wharton.
