Agency by Design (AbD) is an ongoing research initiative at Project Zero investigating the promises, practices, and pedagogies of maker-centered learning experiences. Maker-centered learning offers learners multiple ways to think critically and engage with the designed world.

There is a contemporary resurgence of interest in the power of making things—in contrast with merely consuming them—and the theme of making is increasingly finding its way into national and global conversations about economics, entrepreneurship and education. While maker-centered learning is not a new concept, recent and emerging trends suggest a new kind of hands-on pedagogy—a responsive and flexible pedagogy that encourages community and collaboration (a do-it-together mentality), distributed teaching and learning, and the crossing and blurring of disciplinary boundaries. Explore Agency by Design’s framework for maker-centered learning.