makedo is a reusable connector system that enables people to build and create by using found or reclaimed materials. It aims to inspire social change through playful creativity by injecting value into objects that might otherwise be considered waste.

With the makedo parts and a bit of playful creativity, people of any skill level can take everyday materials such as cardboard boxes, plastic containers and fabric scraps and connect them to create new things  – from cufflinks to costumes, rocket ships to furniture, stage sets to temporary shelters. 

makedo is completely open source so the boundary of what can be made is as diverse as the makers themselves.

makedo is designed to be intuitive and easy to use so whether you’re a playful child of four, a less than dexterous pensioner or a fancy pants designer, you’ll find a way to use makedo. The only limit is the length and breadth of your imagination.

makedo has emerged from a group of people who seek to inspire social change through playful creativity.

We want people see and inject new value into things that might otherwise be regarded as rubbish. Our aim is to encourage people to use their imagination and see the creative possibilities in the everyday materials around them. Through this process we’ll all be redefining what’s considered waste.

makedo ticks the box for things that are important to us, and hopefully you too - sustainability, imagination, creativity, community and play.

makedo is made from nylon.  When recycled, the integrity of nylon isn’t degraded so the same material can be used over and over again without having to add in new virgin materials (as is the case when you recycle other kinds of plastic).

We are currently endeavouring to develop a closed loop system whereby the nylon is collected, processed and fed back into the production cycle so as not to contribute to waste. makedo is looking to establish a global network to facilitate closing the loop on material usage.

The core idea behind makedo is to inspire social change through playful creativity.   makedo alters the perceived value of objects and materials by providing an accessible means of upcycling.   This shift in perception is a critical viewpoint in our current environmental crisis.   A sombre message, yet it is wrapped in the most digestible of forms - play.

makedo is inherently about re-use, both of found materials and the makedo parts themselves. Consideration has been made to ensure lasting components which do not impact the lifecycle of the found materials. Alternative fasteners such as sticky-tape and glue can limit the efficiency and indeed possibility of recycling.

See the makedo Environmental and Safety policy here.

makedo is available via our online shop. Click here to buy.