A designed generation: Maker's maturity and social responsibility

Abstract

The following paper is a first step towards a research path that investigates the role of the craftsman and new craftsmanship in the machine society. The research looks at the post-industrial panorama, the actors on stage and the effects that this revolution has brought, is bringing and can bring to the artisan activity. A context with a strong identity and a culture of know-how that has allowed, together with technological progress, the emergence of figures such as the Maker, the digital craftsman. A figure that is only recently beginning to proclaim itself as such, but still floating in a limbo of identity ambiguity. As uncertain instrument of this new 'productive group', also the technological potential risks failing its role. Craftsmanship and post-craftsmanship perhaps have the opportunity to cooperate in order to achieve a result greater than the sum of the parts