Connected messages

Abstract

Connected Messages brings together traditions of engaging youth in designing interactive murals with themes relevant to their lives and new lowcost networking technologies of connecting local groups with global audiences. We describe the design of a community mural that functions like a public display, which can be remotely programmed through an online interface. The implementation with Maker Mentors in five Free Library branches with over 1,000 youth focused on different aspects of youth maker agency in accessing, participating, and expressing their ideas. In the discussion, we review key dimensions expanding youth and Maker Mentor participation in communityrelevant designs.