I’m currently designing some pieces for a *legally distinct enough from* Rollerball board game. I need a tiny roller skater to hold onto the back of a motorcycle with one hand and clutch a ball with the other.

It sounds simple but the design has already failed twice.

Getting to V3

My initial design used a ball-and-socket joint. I found the components in the connectors category on TinkerCAD. In in the print, the connection was too tight and it snapped when I tried to separate the pieces.

Failure.

But not wasted effort. I learned how unforgiving tiny mechanical parts can be and that my connection point needs to put a lot less stress on the print.

Version 2 connected with a peg in the skater’s hand and a hole on the back of the bike. The print was functional when we showed it to the 5th graders, but when the preschoolers played with them, not one peg survived. At this miniature scale, the pegs were too delicate. They worked, but they weren’t playable, and this print needs to survive actual hands if it’s going to be a game piece.

Another failure.

Now I’m printing Version 3.

The hands are now hoops, looping over a more robust peg on the back of the motorcycle.

It’s printing as I write this and I don’t know if it will work. But that’s okay! Whether it succeeds or fails, it moves me forward. It narrows the gap between what I imagine and what actually functions in the real world.

Making Peace with Not Knowing

We love polished outcomes but we rarely talk about the the snapped joints, the fragile pegs, the redesign that comes to you as you’re starting to fall asleep.

The truth is: innovation is mostly revision.

Failure is not the opposite of progress. It is progress.

When something breaks, you’ve learned something. When a piece is too delicate, you understand scale better. When tolerances are off, you recalibrate. Each misstep refines the next attempt.

Watch the Tutorials. Do It Badly. Improve It.

You cannot improve something that doesn’t exist.

Perfection is attractive but it can also be paralyzing. If I waited to fully understand every variable before hitting “print,” I’d still be staring at a screen instead of holding a prototype.

I watch YouTube tutorials. I pause and rewind. I try techniques I’ve never done before, and I often do them badly.

That’s part of it.

So make the imperfect version. Break it. Redesign it.

Trying is vulnerable. It means admitting you don’t know the answer yet. It means risking visible mistakes. It means iteration.

Becoming Friends with Failure

Print.
Test.
Adjust.
Repeat.

Before you know it, version one becomes version twelve. And somewhere along the way, the design clicks into place — not because it was perfect from the start, but because you didn’t stop at failure.

So if you’re building something new, a product, a lesson, a business idea, a piece of art, don’t wait for certainty.

Make something.
Let it fail.
Make it better.

Ready to meet local makers and learn about their creative processes?

Join us for the 2026 Des Moines Mini Maker Faire at the Science Center of Iowa on Saturday, April 11th!

Makers can register here to host an exhibitor booth or lead a workshop in the Innovation Lab.

At the Science Center of Iowa, curiosity is something we build with. Tucked inside the museum is one of our most dynamic spaces: the Innovation Lab. It’s where creativity meets technology and learners of all ages discover that they are capable of making remarkable things.

Whether you’re brand new to making or already designing your next big invention, the Innovation Lab is your invitation to try, tinker, and create.

What Is the Innovation Lab?

The Innovation Lab is SCI’s makerspace-style learning environment, a hands-on space designed to spark problem-solving, fuel creativity, and foster collaboration.

On any given day, you might find families coding a robot, designing a laser-cut puzzle, using a sewing machine, building a skyscraper out of plastic straws, experimenting with electronics, or exploring artificial intelligence tools in approachable, human-centered ways. The Lab intentionally blends high-tech and low-tech experiences because innovation isn’t about the fanciest tool — it’s about what you create with it.

Open Hours: Drop In and Try Something

During Innovation Lab Open Hours on Fridays and Saturdays, guests can drop in and explore hands-on activities that are included with museum admission. Themes change weekly, meaning no two visits are exactly the same. One week might focus on fiber arts and sewing, while another might feature robotics, microcontrollers, or LEGO engineering challenges.

The experience is designed to be welcoming and include something for every age group. You don’t need to know how something works before you begin, our facilitators will guide you through the process!

Arrive.
Explore a station.
Test an idea.
Improve it.
Share it.

That’s innovation in action!

Tools That Empower

The Innovation Lab offers access to an exciting range of tools and technologies, including:

Code
- Microbit controllers, Root Robot, Sphero Indis, Cutebot Robots, Dot and Dash Robots, Cubelets
Build
- Lego, Strawbees, Makedos, 3DUX, Power Tools
Design
- TinkerCAD, 3D Pirnters, Glowforge Laser Cutters
Make + Mend
- Sewing Machines, Knitting supplies, Crochet supplies, Loom weaving,
Explore
- VR Headsets, AR Visualizers, Generative AI Technology

These tools are pathways, not endpoints. Visit the Science Center of Iowa’s Innovation Lab to discover these and so much more!

Beyond Drop-In: Workshops for Schools, Adults, and Teams

When the Lab isn’t hosting public Open Hours, it becomes a hub for deeper learning experiences.

School & Youth Workshops
Classes, clubs, and youth organizations can participate in private Innovation Lab workshops or invite SCI’s mobile Spark Lab to bring maker learning directly to their site. These sessions are customizable, hands-on, and built to align with learning goals.

Adult Maker Workshops (18+)
Hosted monthly, adult workshops offer an opportunity to dive deeper into more complex projects — from laser-cut design to advanced fabrication. These sessions provide a supportive environment to build skills and confidence.

Team-Building Experiences
Innovation is collaborative. Our team-building workshops are customizable for corporate groups and organizations looking to spark creativity, communication, and hands-on problem-solving.

Special Workshops
During special events like the Girls in Science Festival or Des Moines Mini Maker Faire, the Innovation Lab hosts special workshops to teach maker skills like Soldering, Weaving, Machine Learning, Board Game Design, 3D Modeling, and more!

Your Invitation to Innovate

What could you build?
What problem could you solve?
What story could you tell through making?

Stop by during Open Hours or during a special event, sign up for a workshop, or reach out to explore a private experience. At the Science Center of Iowa, innovation isn’t reserved for experts — it’s for everyone.

Empowered Tools at SCI

The theme of this year’s Des Moines Mini Maker Faire is Empowered Tools—exploring how both high-tech and low-tech tools can amplify creativity, problem-solving, and discovery. Few materials capture that balance better than cardboard!

In our Innovation Lab, cardboard is a go-to material because it’s accessible, flexible, and endlessly adaptable. When paired with the right tools, it becomes a powerful way for learners of all ages to turn ideas into tangible creations.

Makedo Sets

Best for: Open-ended creativity, rapid prototyping, all ages

If we had to pick one all-time favorite cardboard tool, it would be Makedo.

Makedo sets are intuitive, durable, and immediately empowering for kids. The kid-safe tools and reusable screws let learners jump straight into building without tape or glue, which means structures can evolve, collapse, and rebuild without frustration.

The Makedo saw is always a hit. It’s just sharp enough to be effective, but designed with safety in mind, making it approachable for younger makers with minimal instruction.

Bonus: there are tons of free printable STL accessories available online, like hinges, wheels, and brackets, that extend what learners can do and invite tinkering with 3D printing alongside cardboard.

Why we love it at SCI:
These intuitive tools are a great way to work on STEM concepts with the whole family!

3DUX Connector Kits

Best for: Structured builds, prompts

3DUX kits work well to connect everyday cardboard box pieces at 90, 60, 120, and 180 degree angles. They’re a great way to introduce angles and basic engineering using recycled cardboard.

We often pair these with building prompts—design an insect, construct a city skyline, engineer a bridge—and let learners collaborate their way to a solution. The connectors help structures feel sturdy, which is especially encouraging for learners who might otherwise get discouraged when things fall apart.

Why we love it at SCI:
We love these for repetitive or patterned builds, like a 3D maze or parking garage for robot cars.

Fiskars Power Shears

Best for: Adult prep, clean cuts

These scissors are a quiet MVP in our spaces.

Cardboard can be tough on regular scissors, and these make cutting smooth and predictable, perfect for teachers, facilitators, or caregivers prepping materials ahead of time. They’re especially helpful when setting up activities for smaller hands.

Why we love them at SCI:
They cut cardboard so much more easily than regular scissors!

Glowforge Laser Cutters

Best for: Precision parts, advanced making

We have two Glowforge laser cutters, and while we’ll be honest, they’re expensive and take time to set up, they’re incredibly powerful once running.

We cut cardboard on the laser all the time: custom shapes, puzzle pieces, tactile components, layered diagrams, and parts that would be tedious or inconsistent by hand. Laser-cut cardboard lets us add precision without losing the warmth and accessibility of the material.

If owning one isn’t realistic, laser cutters can often be found in community maker spaces, like the Des Moines Central Library Tech Central or right here in our Innovation Lab!

Why we love them at SCI:
They unlock repeatable, high-quality components that support deeper learning experiences.

Cool Tool Low-Temp Glue Gun

Best for: Younger makers, confidence-building

Many people don’t realize that low-temperature glue guns exist—and once they do, it opens up a whole new world of making for younger learners.

There are several brands available, but the AdTech Cool Tool Kit is designed specifically with smaller hands in mind. The glue gun runs at a lower temperature than standard models, which significantly reduces the risk of burns while still providing enough hold for cardboard, paper, and lightweight materials. That makes it a fantastic option for elementary-aged makers who are ready to move beyond tape but aren’t quite ready for high-temp tools.

We use low-temp glue guns when learners need to affix parts quickly. It helps keep momentum going and supports independence, which is a big win in busy maker spaces.They work well with cardboard, but we often use them with fabric as an alternative to the sewing machines during textile crafting sessions.

Why we love it at SCI:
It introduces adhesive tools safely, builds maker confidence, and bridges the gap between simple materials and more complex construction.

Chomp Saw

Best for: Tool confidence, independence, safety-first cutting

We don’t own a Chomp Saw at SCI, but we’ve used them and understand their value. The Chomp Saw is a great way to introduce learners to independent tool use. Kids can operate it on their own with clear safety boundaries, which builds confidence and responsibility.

There are limitations, it doesn’t handle very thick cardboard well, and it’s a pricier option for a tool that can only be used by one person at a time, but for the right material, it’s a solid addition to a tool lineup.

Why we love it at SCI:
It expands the range of tools kids feel capable using on their own.

Cardboard, Empowered

The Empowered Tools theme reminds us that it’s not about choosing between high-tech or low-tech—it’s about using the right tools to amplify creativity, curiosity, and confidence. Cardboard proves this every week in our Innovation Lab. Whether learners are turning a box into an insect, a city, a costume, or a prototype, these tools help ideas take shape and invite makers to see themselves as capable creators.

We invite you to explore these tools with us—at the Science Center of Iowa, in your classroom or home, or at the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire. Try something new, mix simple materials with powerful tools, and discover how even the most ordinary cardboard can become extraordinary when creativity is empowered.

Makerspaces: Where Ideas Take Shape in Iowa

Makerspaces across Iowa offer access to tools, technology, and creative communities. Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or entrepreneur, there’s a space near you where you can build, learn, and collaborate.

Iowa Makerspaces Directory

1. Area515 (Des Moines)

A community-driven workshop space in Des Moines offering a wide range of fabrication tools (woodworking, metalworking, CNC, 3D printing, laser cutting). Ideal for hobbyists, makers, and small entrepreneurs.

2. Tech Central – Des Moines Public Library (Des Moines)

Located at the Central Library, this makerspace/lab provides public access to laser cutters, heat presses, 3D printers, media conversion stations, embroidery machines and more.

3. Oak Studio Teen Tech Center (Des Moines)

Located at 1915 Grand Ave in Des Moines, this free makerspace is aimed at teens (ages 13-21) and operated by Oakridge Neighborhood Services. It offers access to advanced technology (3D printing, robotics, digital media, music production) and mentorship in a barrier-free environment.

4. Innovation Lab – Science Center of Iowa (Des Moines)

At the Science Center of Iowa, this educational makerspace supports one-off, hands-on experiences in engineering, robotics, AI, and emerging technologies. All ages are welcome to visit weekly themed open hours or register for specialized workshops to learn how to use cutting edge tools.

5. CRPL Maker Spaces – Cedar Rapids Public Library (Cedar Rapids)

The downtown library offers two dedicated maker rooms with equipment like 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines and a certification process for independent use.

6. Iowa City Fab Lab (Iowa City)

A nonprofit makerspace offering access to tools like 3D printing, sewing, laser cutting, pottery in eastern Iowa. With flexible membership options, makers are encouraged to participate in classes, workshops, and even a monthly open woodshop time.

7. Creation Studio – Bettendorf Public Library (Bettendorf)

Located in the Bettendorf Public Library, this makerspace supports STEAM activities, open work hours, and community workshops, with tools for 3D printing, laser engraving, textiles and more.

8. Makerspace – Ankeny Public Library (Ankeny)

A library-based makerspace with equipment such as Cricut machines, sublimation printers, video/audio conversion and more. Get free training from their knowledgeable staff, then bring your own materials to use the maker tools independently.

9. Student Innovation Center Makerspaces – Iowa State University (Ames)

At Iowa State University, this set of makerspaces spans metal & wood shop, textiles & 3D printing, digital media, AI innovation studio and more — for students and interdisciplinary use.

10. Educational Makerspace – University of Iowa College of Education (Coralville/Iowa City area)

Located at the University of Iowa Kirkwood Regional Center, this makerspace supports future educators to learn 21st century skills with tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers and robotics for STEAM education.

Visit the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire on April 11th, 2026!

Ready to see some of Iowa’s coolest creatives? Join us at the Science Center of Iowa on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 for the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire to see some of the coolest maker tools on display!

Applications to be an exhibitor are open now through March 11th.

Don’t see your favorite Iowa Makerspace on this list? Let us know which ones we missed at makerfaire@sciowa.org!

AI isn’t a cheat code, it’s one of the most powerful tools in the maker’s toolkit. Using AI to fill in your knowledge and ability gaps, rather than just to cover those gaps, can help round out the skills you need to be successful as a creative. Whether you’re an artist, engineer, or small business owner, AI can help you design faster, test smarter, and share your work with the world. You might already be using AI in ways you don’t even notice.

Here are a few ways AI is reshaping what’s possible for makers and entrepreneurs:

1. Writing Product Descriptions and Marketing Copy

If you sell your creations online, AI can help you describe them clearly and creatively. Tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Shopify’s built-in AI writer can generate compelling product descriptions, headlines, and social media posts. That means less time staring at a blank page and more time actually making. Offloading the tasks that you find tedious can remove barriers that get in the way of your progress.

Example: Upload a photo of your original design, and AI can write descriptions that highlight its materials, inspiration, and uniqueness. Play with the output and adjust the tone to suit your brand.

2. Collaborating as a Creative Partner

AI can be a great collaborator for brainstorming ideas, refining designs, or suggesting new directions. Even the process of explaining your idea to an LLM like ChatGPT can help clarify your thoughts, and asking a chatbot to interpret your explanation can help reveal if your vision is coming across as you anticipate it will. Remember that most LLMs are designed to be highly encouraging and “tell you what you want to hear,” so make sure you’re taking its feedback with a grain of salt and remaining appropriately critical of your own work.

Example: Makers are using AI image tools to explore patterns for laser cutting, color palettes for resin art, or geometric variations for jewelry design — often finding inspiration they wouldn’t have reached on their own.

3. Running Testing Algorithms and Simulations

When scaling up a product or testing different configurations, AI can help run simulations or analyze performance data. Machine learning algorithms can reveal which designs or materials work best before you ever commit to a large production run. Again, it’s important to check the work before using AI-driven conclusions to make big decisions.

Example: Board game designers can use AI to test and compare thousands of outcomes based on different configurations of game pieces. They would also need to run playtests with humans to verify the playability and fun-factor of the game, but they can save time by using math to narrow down some design aspects.

4. Optimizing and Customizing Designs

AI design tools can help makers fine-tune projects for strength, material use, and aesthetics — or even customize designs for individual customers. It’s especially helpful for people running small-batch production or creating one-of-a-kind items.

Example: An AI-assisted CAD program can automatically adjust a lamp design to use less filament or tailor-fit a wearable device for someone’s exact measurements, speeding up prototyping and reducing waste.

5. Filling in the Gaps for Small-Scale Entrepreneurs

Every maker hits a barrier — maybe it’s branding, coding, data analysis, or product testing. AI can bridge those gaps. It can help write business plans, generate pricing comparisons, or even draft customer emails. It doesn’t replace the human behind the idea; it just removes the friction between inspiration and execution.

Example: A maker may be skilled in 3D CAD but inexperienced in graphic design. Maybe they mock up a draft graphic for social media and ask ChatGPT to critique it from the perspective of a professional graphic designer. After considering and implementing suggestions, they’ll have a better design and a better idea of how to approach future designs.

The Big Picture

For makers, AI is not a replacement for creativity, it’s an amplifier! It helps turn sketches into prototypes, prototypes into products, and products into sustainable ventures.

The maker movement has always been about access to tools, ideas, and opportunity. AI is simply the next tool on that workbench.

Try It: AI Tools for Makers

ChatGPT – Generate product descriptions, marketing copy, or design ideas.
Canva Magic Studio – Create logos, packaging mockups, and promotional materials with simple prompts.
Fusion 360 with AI Assist – Use generative design to optimize strength, material use, and geometry.
Midjourney or KREA.ai – Generate concept art, textures, or 2D design references for laser cutting or 3D modeling.
Teachable Machine (by Google) – Build simple AI models that respond to motion, sound, or images for interactive projects.

Want to learn more about the modern tools Makers are using to bring help their creativity take shape? Visit the 2026 Des Moines Mini Maker Faire at the Science Center of Iowa on April 11th. This year’s theme is Empowered Tools: how evolving and traditional tools help creatives bring their ideas to life!

Want to be an exhibitor at this year’s Maker Faire? Applications are open now through March 11th, 2026.

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Apply to be an exhibitor at the 2026 Des Moines Mini Maker Faire here! The application window is open now through March 11th, 2026.

This year is all about Empowered Tools: how traditional methods and technological advancements help creatives bring their boldest ideas to life. From handcrafted to high-tech, the tools we use shape the way we build, imagine, and innovate!

Maker booths are free! It is a space to demonstrate or show off your project. Please be aware that the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire does not allow sales of products or services at Maker booths.

All booths are 10’x10′ and are provided one 6 or 8 foot table and 2 chairs.

Who Exhibits at the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire?

Maker Faire exhibitors include 3D printing hobbyists, robotics teams, board game designers, cosplay enthusiasts, and all kinds of tinkerers, makers, and creatives. Exhibitors are not required to have a hands-on demonstration or activity, but it is a great way to engage visitors and share your passion with our community.

Who Attends the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire?

Des Moines Mini Maker Faire is an all-ages event open to Science Center of Iowa visitors and members. This will include museum regulars as well as people coming especially to see the creations on display.

Visitors are encouraged to attend workshops, skill stations, and interact with vendors on a drop-in basis.

Other Ways to Engage

Are you interested in running a workshop, helping with a skill station, or volunteering at the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire? We’d love to hear from you! Please send an email to makerfaire@sciowa.org letting us know how you’d like to be involved.

Questions?

Send any additional questions to makerfaire@sciowa.org

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm

The 2026 Des Moines Mini Maker Faire will be hosted by the Science Center of Iowa on Saturday, April 11, 2026. This year is all about Empowered Tools – how traditional methods and technological advancements help creatives bring their boldest ideas to life. From handcrafted to high-tech, the tools we use shape the way we build, imagine, and innovate!

Presenting Sponsor: MAKE: & Corteva Agriscience

Attend the Maker Faire

This all-ages festival showcases makers from across the state and invites visitors to discover their own inner inventor through hands-on experiences. With their daily admission (free for members) visitors are welcome to try out skill stations, dive into workshops, and watch demonstrations by local robotics teams!

Workshops

Make even more with free workshops available throughout the day, or dive deeper with advanced workshops ($7–$10 per person).

Space is limited for all workshops, so plan to register early when you arrive at SCI.

Registration for each of these workshops will be available onsite at SCI the day of the event.

Exhibit at the Maker Faire

The official Call for Makers will go out on January 20th, 2026. Follow the Science Center of Iowa on social media to be updated when the application period opens!

The Des Moines Mini Maker Faire is a celebration of creativity and curiosity — a big community show-and-tell where makers share what they build, design, and invent. Exhibitors don’t sell their creations; instead, they engage visitors through hands-on demonstrations, interactive displays, or simple activities that highlight their process and passion. It’s a fun, collaborative atmosphere where everyone, from seasoned engineers to first-time tinkerers, can inspire others to imagine and make.

Questions about Des Moines Mini Maker Faire?

Send any questions to makerfaire@sciowa.org

With two months until Des Moines’ 2025 Mini Maker Faire, please let us introduce Jason Hill, Exhibits Coordinator for the Science Center of Iowa and 3D printing extraordinaire. Being a very creative nerd, Jason builds full sized, wearable Star Wars armor and props. He uses 2 3D printers (Elegoo Neptune 3 Max and a very modified Prusa mk2.5) plus a lot of sandpaper and Bondo to create his work.

We sat down with Jason learn how 3D printers are changing the game for makers.

What Makes a Maker?

Makers are anyone who can create something from ingredients or parts. Making becomes an art when you put your passion and creativity behind something to make something special you’re proud of.

Where do you show off your creations?

Comic cons and Halloween parties

What’s the difference between creating something for yourself vs creating it for someone else?

There are pros and cons to both. I like being able to try stuff on while I’m sanding to do test fits, but with someone else you have to put armor on them and ask them how it feels and what adjustments it needs. I also find I’m a bit more of a perfectionist when I’m making things for others vs myself and that can add a lot of time to the project.

What are your final preparations to get ready for a con?

It is always important to lay everything out the night before to make sure you have everything so you don’t end up forgetting something.

Do you do smaller-scale projects?

I have printed some models from one of my favorite videogames Horizon Zero Dawn and am planning to sand and paint it after wrapping up my current project. I also like to 3D print useful household stuff and make gifts for people.

What’s a mistake you’ve made that taught you an important lesson?

Giving yourself time to make mistakes. 3D printing takes a long time and if the print fails or I got the scale wrong, you’ll have to reprint. It’s just how it goes. Different projects will have different challenges. When I made my Mandalorian suit it was pretty easy to sand. My next project was an Imperil Death Trooper which was about twice the number of armor pieces and the amount of detail in each piece was much higher. I was not prepared for how long the Death Trooper was going to take and I missed my original deadline by a year. This was a great project because now I am more confident in my time frames for projects.

What do you think the future of making looks like? Are there any trends or technologies you’re excited about?

I think household 3D printers have changed the game for makers. 3D printing is only going to get faster and the prints are only going to get smoother.

What’s the first thing you ever made, and how does it compare to your work now?

When I was in high school I wanted to make a Boba Fett costume, I used cardboard, EVA foam, paper mache, and my grandpa helped make my gauntlets out of PVC pipe and wood. It felt fantastic to create something from nothing. In college, I learned how to 3D print and I thought making a Star Wars suit would be a fun way to practice my new skill. Now it’s a hobby that brings me great joy!

How do you balance creativity and practicality in your projects?

Practicality usually evolves around the cost of materials, but that is where the creativity comes in. How can I make this helmet look like it does in the movie without spending a ton of money? I think finding creative solutions to problems is one of the most rewarding parts of my projects.

What do you hope people feel or experience when they interact with your work?

I hope I can inspire people to create the thing they want and that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you’re willing to put in the time and work.

To learn more about Jason and the amazing creators local to Des Moines, check out the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire at the Science Center of Iowa on April 26th!

As we gear up for Des Moines’ 2025 Mini Maker Faire, we’ll begin our Meet a Maker series with one of our own, Lindy Trout Turnis. Lindy is a published board game designer and the Innovation Manager at the Science Center of Iowa! In 2024, she published her family tabletop game, The Best Medicine, which is now available in ten stores across Iowa.

What makes a “maker”?
A maker is someone who gets satisfaction from bringing an idea into the real world and tinkering with it until it works. It’s someone who reflects on their work, develops new skills, and takes risks to make their creation better than it was.

What got you interested in board game design?
I started designing board games with my brother and dad in 2019. We got started by doing Game Jams – they’re timed, multi-day events that challenge designers to prototype an original game based on a surprise theme. Once we won our first jam, we were hooked!

We fell in love with the process of building, testing, and refining our ideas until we had something awesome. Our partnership works because we strive to impress each other but never judge an idea that doesn’t pan out. Opening a safe space to share, critique, and celebrate ideas has made our end-product better than we could have imagined.

What is your game about?
The Best Medicine is a push-your-luck game where you are a scientist combining chemicals to cure wacky diseases—like The Common Warm and Gritty Discs—while trying to avoid contaminating your labs. It’s a fast-paced game for 2–5 players and takes about 20 minutes to play.

What did the design process look like?
We created the core game in just 36 hours, but spent over two years refining it. That included playtesting extensively, reworking the graphic design and artwork, and fine-tuning the mechanics. Once we were happy with it, we connected with a manufacturer in China and started teaching ourselves about marketing and distribution. Doing everything in-house created more friction than if we would have worked with a publisher, but we developed a host of new skills and created a product that is exactly and uniquely ours.

What do you hope people feel or experience when they interact with your work?

I want players to think it’s exciting and funny. We put a lot of our humor into the names of grants, awards, and diseases. Part of the reason we decided against working with a publisher was so those jokes would make it into the final version of the game. I’m really proud of them and I think they’re hilarious.

What’s one thing you wish you would have known when you were starting out?
Although “making” is a process of continual improvement, it’s rarely a straight path. A good trait for a maker to have is an openness to failure — Version 1 will not and should not be your masterpiece, so don’t force perfection. Our game went through 36 versions of the rulebook—but you can’t improve until you start. So try new things, do them badly and then try again.

Oh, and take pictures! You’ll love looking back at how far you’ve come.

What do you think the future of making looks like? Are there any trends or technologies you’re excited about?

I love AI art! I have aphantasia, meaning I think only in words and have a hard time seeing pictures in my head. Being able to describe my vision and have it visualized for me is a dream come true! AI art generation is an amazing tool that makes the joy and functionality of art accessible to a whole new sector of artists.

For now, there’s still a lot of digital art and editing work to do after the AI image is generated. My favorite softwares are Midjourney for AI art and Procreate for digital art.

What do you do at SCI?
I work in the Innovation Lab alongside Marissa Herzberg and Jolie Pelds. Our lab is a learning space filled with high- and low-tech resources that encourage innovative thinking. Some days I teach, but almost every day I’m learning. The lab’s tools range from virtual reality experiences and AI robots to hot glue and googly eyes. We use a variety of resources to teach “makerly” methods and skills that support creative problem-solving.

The Des Moines Mini Maker Faire is now accepting exhibitor applications!

This years theme is “Making The Future”.

Whether you’re a first-time tinkerer or an experienced inventor, Maker Faire welcomes a variety of creative projects, including:

Crafts
Fine Arts
Robotics
Technology
Gaming
Fashion design
Woodworking
3D printing
LEGO construction
And more!

Exhibitor applications are due Monday, March 31 for the 2025 Des Moines Mini Maker Faire which is being held Saturday, April 26.