03/30/2023
Ashesi D:Lab Maker Sessions Ep. 4: Building a Community of Makers, Thinkers, and Innovators
On the 30th day of March 2023, the Ashesi D:Lab hosted yet another exciting Maker Session, and this time around, as it has always been, it was all about building practical hand skills. Students, project leads, and team members gathered to learn new skills using Figma, Canva, IOT, Machine Learning, and 3D modeling. Nana Kojo'26 led the Figma session, and attendees were taken through a simple design of a website using the Ashesi website as a simulation. One of the key insights from the event was the importance of learning practical hand skills. In today's fast-paced world, there is a growing need for individuals to possess a diverse range of skills. The Maker Sessions at Ashesi D:Lab provide an excellent opportunity for participants to learn practical hand skills that will help them thrive in the modern world.
Participants designing prototypes during the Figma session
The attendees were also taught how to use the Figma software to design headers, site landers, quick links, slideshows, and other simple website interface properties. This is an essential skill for anyone looking to work in the tech industry or start their own website. Another critical insight was the importance of using best practices when inserting, resizing, and placing pictures in a website interface. This ensures that the website looks professional and aesthetically pleasing to users. The facilitator, Nana Kojo'26 emphasized the need for participants to pay attention to details and to take their time when designing websites.
While the participants of the Figma session were learning about user interface design in Figma, Jonathan Boateng '26 was leading another group of participants through a Canva session. During this session, they were taught how to create engaging and visually appealing designs using the Canva platform. As the project teams are getting ready for their project exhibitions, the canva sessions teach them ways they can present their solutions in a storytelling manner. To achieve this, Jonathan took them through another session of storyboarding, mainly focusing on designing a login page. He explained to the participants the various tools that can aid in designing a storyboard login page. He was not alone in this. As he was explaining, the participants steadily designed their own login pages, with their preferred colours, fonts and elements. This gave them hands-on experience on the necessary tools they need to progress with their projects. To make the sessions more appealing, it was decided that the participant with the best storyboard at the end of the maker session series, will receive an award. The participants were very excited and are ready to take up this challenge. Feedback from the participants showed that the session made them learn new canva designs they never knew existed. They also reiterated the importance of the session as it is adding on their skills, and will gladly invite their friends for the remaining sessions.
Jonathan Boatent’26 facilitating the Canva session
Finally, the IOT, Machine Learning, and 3D sessions proved hugely useful to participants. The world of technology is constantly evolving, and there are few areas more exciting than the intersection of IoT, machine learning, and 3D modeling. At their core, these technologies are all about gathering data, analyzing it, and using it to create better, more efficient systems. But what exactly do these technologies entail, and how are they changing the world? How are they related to the project teams of D: Lab? In today's digital age, technology has become an integral part of our lives. At the Ashesi D:Lab, project teams leverage the power of IoT, Machine Learning, and 3D modeling to create innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible. The IoT allows teams to gather data and interact with the physical world, while Machine Learning enables them to analyze and make sense of that data, making it possible to create intelligent systems. 3D modeling, on the other hand, empowers teams to design and create physical prototypes quickly and accurately, allowing them to test and refine their ideas rapidly. All of these allowed the project teams to create easy-to-use MVPs and prototypes for the second edition of the D:Lab Innovation Expo. The combination of these technologies gives D:Lab teams the tools they need to bring their ideas to life and create solutions that can make a real difference in the world.
Mohammed Elmir’24 facilitating the IoT session
Overall, these Maker Sessions organized by the Ashesi D: Lab were a resounding success, a testament to the University’s dedication to providing students with the necessary tools to thrive in the world of design and innovation. The Sessions showcased how learning could be both enjoyable and impactful, empowering students with practical skills applicable in real-world situations. It was a promising start, and the level of enthusiasm displayed by the students indicates that we can expect amazing creations from them in the future. We are excited about the potential that the Maker Sessions hold for students, D: Lab project teams and look forward to seeing the incredible things they will achieve in the days ahead.
Jonathan Kashabira’24 facilitating the 3D modelling session