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Marston Makerspace George A. Smathers Libraries

Marston’s Gator Creator Challenge: Fall 2026

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Gator creator challenge
This fall, the Marston Makerspace is launching the first-ever Gator Creator Challenge, and we want to see what you can make! We are partnering with Coterie market for this competition!

Your mission: design the ideal fidget toy.

Think about the perfect pocket-sized object for focus, stress relief, or playful interaction, then bring your idea to life using any materials or techniques you like. Crochet it. 3D print it. Carve it from wood. Build something entirely new.

Whether you’re an engineer, an artist, a hobbyist, or someone who just likes to tinker, this challenge is open to UF Students who want to create something clever, beautiful, and satisfying to use. (We apologize but UF staff and faculty are ineligible to participate at this time)

The perfect fidget is out there. Go make it.

Timeline

Challenge Launch: August 17
Submission Deadline: November 16
Judging Period: Nov 16-20
Winner Announced: Nov 30
Prizes Available: Dec 7-11

Rules

  1. You can participate as an individual or as a team of up to 3 people
  2. You can use any medium you want, including but not limited to: 3D printing, woodworking, sewing, crochet, textiles, clay, ceramics, laser cutting, electronics, and mixed media
  3. Maximum size of the fidget toy is 5 inches x 5 inches x 5 inches
  4. Submissions must be safe to handle and may not include hazardous materials, sharp edges, exposed wiring, or anything that could pose a safety risk to users or judges.
  5. Entries must be picked up by December 11. Submissions not collected by this date may be discarded or retained for display.

Submission Requirements

  1. You must submit your entry to the Marston Science Library Circulation Desk No later than 5:00pm on Monday November 16th
  2. Your submission must include your physical fidget toy and a written explanation identifying what makes this the ideal fidget toy, who it is designed for, and how the design works
  3. The written explanation cannot be longer than 400 words
  4. Submissions should be contained in a clear resealable bag or container with the written explanation included.
  5. Your submission must have the full names, emails and phone numbers of all members of the team

Judges

For this challenge, we have 4 judges! We have a judge with a STEM background, a judge with an art/design background, a judge with a media/marketing background, and a judge representing Smathers libraries.

Criteria

Category Descriptor
Functionality How well does the toy provide satisfying tactile interaction, calm, or help maintain focus?
Design & Aesthetics Is it visually appealing or thoughtfully crafted?
Pocketability Is it portable and comfortable to carry?
Creativity How original or inventive is the concept?
Craftsmanship Quality of construction and durability.

Each category will be scored by each of the 4 judges out of 10. The entry with the highest score will win first place! In the event of a tie, the final decision will be made by the Interim Dean of Smather’s Libraries.

People’s Choice Award

During the judging period, visitors to the makerspace may vote for their favorite design. The entry with the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award.

Prizes!

First Place

  1. A 2026 Creator Gator First Place 3D printed fidget trophy
  2. A one-of-a-kind, personalized Marston tumbler (for each teammate)
  3. A certificate of exceptional performance signed by the Chair of Marston Science Library and the Interim Dean of George A. Smathers Libraries
  4. A gift certificate per teammate to attend a Coterie Market workshop of your choice (up to a $20 value, expires August 2027)
  5. A chance to sell your product at Coterie Market for the following semester!

People’s Choice

  1. A 2026 Creator Gator People’s Choice 3D printed fidget trophy
  2. A 10-pack of the 2026 Marston Makerspace sticker
  3. A $10 voucher for 3D printing at Marston Makerspace

Looking for Guidance?

Check out our guidance post: Designing Attention: Fidget Guidance

Here are research papers about fidgets, too: Designing Attention: Fidget Resources

Contact

Questions?

Feel free to email Brittney Merryweather at bmerryweather@ufl.edu

Please note, by submitting an entry, participants grant the Marston Science Library permission to photograph and display their work for promotional and educational purposes.