Many people around the world go through their lives rarely using their inherent creative instincts to make a useful object with their own hands. However, a belief in one's individual ability to create technology can lead to a sense of agency and a belief that one can create positive change in the world. This idea embodies the purpose of a "Skill Builder."

Skill Builders are curriculum resources developed by the faculty, staff, and Network members of the International Development Innovation Network, used to create transformative design experiences for community innovators around the globe. This month, we are thrilled to share with you four sets of brand new Skill Builders — the charcoal press, the living machine, the smart light, and the sheet metal bucket! 

Those who participate in a Skill Builder leave believing they can be creative, work with technology, and build tools to solve problems present in their own lives or in the lives of others. The experience provided is transformative; if they can successfully build this device, then by extension, they can build another. For example, creating light is a magical experience, endowing a person with the ability to replicate the power of the sun. As a person said in Zambia following a Skill Builder, “I was a dull knife and you sharpened me.” 

This kind of transformation is only achieved by having participants build on their own terms, exploring the use of tools with guidance from an instructor. It is important that their devices work so they are successful and feel a sense of accomplishment; but even more important is that they felt they did it themselves and believe they could do it again. 

Skill Builders are the building of a piece of technology as a means to acquiring fabrication skills, working with materials, and learning physical principles. This can range from using wire strippers and a soldering iron to create an LED light to using a hammer and chisel to shape wood into a spoon. The key to inspiring change in participants does not lie within the device created; it lies in the skills gained and the newfound sense of ability felt by participants. 

For those who have never used the tools before, the initial stages of the Skill Builder will feel awkward. Participants may “fail” at steps in the process. They should be guided out of these stumbles, not have the stumbles solved for them. Struggling with the process and resolving issues on one's own are important in building the feeling of agency that is necessary to use these skills to address problems in the world.

Want more information on Skill Builders and how to use them? Have suggestions for future resources or how we can improve these resources in the future? Please contact IDIN Academic Partner, Olin College of Engineering for more information.