FixEd is the think-and-do tank concerned with inspiring and equipping creative, ingenious and generous problem-solvers around the world (especially, though not exclusively, Fixperts).
We support educators and organisations to engage and motivate learners through our popular, award-winning learning programmes for schools and universities. Our research programme connects you to current ideas and approaches and the type of 21st-century skills that young people need.
Award-winning, classroom ready teaching resources
We’re helping build the next generation of designers, engineers, inventors, technologists, artists, dreamers and change makers. We want to ensure their hands are skilled and their hearts and minds are engaged.
Creating new formats and options in response to changing needs
Our interest in research isn’t abstract or theoretical. We’re skilled in analysing and using research to inform programmes and anticipate change – considering alternatives and keeping one step ahead.
Learning to solve problems
Resilience is the ability to bounce back after difficulty; it’s a necessary foundation for any successful creative endeavour. Fixperts build resilience through fruitful failure.
Building social connections
Each Fixperts project is made real – whether with sticky tape or a 3-d printer – and builds skills. But the exceptional power of the project is rooted in the human connections between Fixperts and Fix Partner.
Tested as effective across design, engineering and STEM/STEAM
Innovation relies on the ability to imagine alternatives. We imagine a generation that see the journey from problem to solution as an adventure.
Connecting imagination with skills
Sharing ideas and exchanging know-how openly can help speed change and innovation. When this means sharing inspiration, ideas and know-how that improve peoples lives, we’re all for it.
Team
Team FixEd draws together incredible expertise, from education and informal learning, the creative and cultural industries and beyond. We’ve worked in schools and universities, museums and galleries, design studios and makerspaces. We’re united by our interest and intent: we want to make a concrete difference to people’s lives.
Daniel Charny
Co-founder and Creative Director
Professor of Design, industrial designer, one-man evangelist for the importance of making in our future lives, Fixperts was borne out of Daniel’s frustration with design and engineering students lacking basic understanding of materials, processes and people. Daniel’s commitment to the importance of linking imagination with skills, and ideas with hands-on experimentation, has powered his activity as a design educator, curator and consultant. Daniel is our creative coach and international ambassador.
Dee Halligan
Co-founder and Managing Director
Dee has taken the promise of Fixperts into a new phase with the founding of FixEd. A seasoned strategist and senior manager for the big cultural players who engage the public imagination, such as the Science Museum and the National Trust, her focus is laser sharp: to deliver real value and make real impact. Sounds simple! Under her direction we’ve set the ambition high and are clear about the path ahead. Broad appeal and a sustainable future await.
Lea Jagendorf
Schools Associate
Lea is an evangelical design educator who has deep experience of devising and delivering interesting, engaging and innovative ways of making design a relevant and exciting part of learning in schools.
Minnie Young
Schools Associate
Minnie (or Ms Young to you) is an experienced school teacher and head of department, who we’ve enticed away from her classroom and into our creative studio. Minnie leads on our teaching resources and teacher training offer.
Amy Bicknell
Communications Associate
Amy is a communications and partnerships expert. Her arrival to the project has ushered in a new era as the project grows up and scales to reach more young people and school children.
Maya Alvarado
Fixperts facilitator
Maya’s grown with us as an organisation. She did Fixperts as a design student, became the first Fixpert-in-residence at Benchmark Furniture and now brings all that experience to facilitating Fixperts in universities and schools.
Gareth Owen Lloyd
Fixperts facilitator
Gareth is the equivalent of a Multi-Tool if it were ever to become a person. He was head of making at FixCamp and when he is not teaching, making, organising or building he runs Machines Room, a maker space in London.
Koby Barhad
Voluntary advisor (graphics)
Koby is an adventurous communication designer whose willingness to exchange his skills for little beyond the feel-good factor got us through the early days of Fixperts development. His interest, generosity and ‘always on’ working style are an inspiration.
Jim Rhodes
Voluntary advisor (digital)
Jim is an interaction designer, web developer and now entrepreneur (Joto Rocks!) When he was less successful he made sure that Fixperts had an online life way beyond its means. Now he’s our top go-to for guidance on all things digital.
Georgia Cottington
Digital archive research volunteer
Georgia discovered Fixperts while researching maker culture and mental health. She is studying Product Design at the Royal College of Art.
Claudia Espart Hernandez
Digital archive research volunteer
Claudia got in touch with us after a Fixperts talk at LCC where she is a Diploma and Professional Studies student. Claudia is a kind of visual media explorer deeply interested in how cultures mix in our ever changing world.
James Carrigan
Co-originator – Fixperts
Daniel and James originated Fixperts together in 2012 when they commissioned the first 5 films. James’ energy and drive in the pilot and launch stages were key to the dynamic character of the project. He is our greatest conspirator and relentless ambassador. James is the co-founder of the wonderful Sugru.
Expert volunteers, alumni and early stage collaborators
Alon Meron, Freddie Yauner, Lara Miranda Muchin, Nat Hunter, Rebecca Davies, Ruby Steel, Grace Bremner, Emily Ballard, Caz Owen, Sally Spurring have all helped us on our way.
Project and event volunteers
Can-doers
Charley Pothecary, Jake Rich, Joe Sanchez, Lucy Barouillet, Yariv Ziv, Rachael Holmes and Nola Charny have all contributed what they could when they could. Maybe your name could be here? If so get in touch!
Fixperts supporters and friends
Fixperts is dedicated to Ami Drach
(1963-2012)
An inventive maker, Professor Ami Drach exemplified the social, technical and creative values that this project is all about. Always ready to apply his ingenuity to improvise and fix things, his unparalleled openness, kindness and generosity brought a deep empathy to every interaction.