Embedded Files
Welcome to Design Lab 1! Our space is dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary ideation and design. Here, students sketch and share ideas that can be further refined using the DMC’s specialized studios, including Audio, Video, Visualization, and Fabrication. Design Lab 1 is a hub for collaboration, experimentation, and community engagement.
Our Offerings Include:
Workshops: Enhance your skills with hands-on sessions.
Design Competitions: Challenge yourself and showcase your creativity.
Project Showcases: Display your work and gain valuable feedback.
Special Guest Speakers: Gain insights from industry experts.
Screenings: Watch and analyze creative works.
Design Reviews: Receive constructive critiques on your projects.
Join us at Design Lab 1 to explore new ideas, push creative boundaries, and be part of a vibrant, innovative community.
Help Desk
Meet Our Fellows
Meet Our Fellows
The Ground connections Fellows are peer leaders & content experts who bring diverse skills to the space. They are here to:
Assist you with DL1 resources
Connect you to experts in other DMC spaces
Provide project consultation
Introduce you to others with shared interests
Help Desk
Presentation Area
A Collaborative Space
A Collaborative Space
We invite classes, project teams, and clubs to gather here in the company of others. The Presentation Area at the front of the room can be reserved but this is not an exclusive reservation as Design Lab 1 is home to several unique resources that will remain open to the U of M community.
DL1 reservations cover the presentation system, chairs and tables within the lecture space. Tables and chairs can be rearranged but must stay within the presentation area and not encroach on the assembly or textiles areas. Not to worry, DMC Fellows will help facilitate the sharing of resources.
Open Classroom
Presentation System
Presentation System
Design Lab 1 offers a large projection screen with a control panel that allow you to switch between the iMac workstation, your laptop computer, and other inputs. To learn how to operate the presentation system click on the Presentation Systems Operation link and/or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Reconfigurable Classroom
Reconfigurable Classroom
The tables and chairs are on wheels allowing you to reconfigure the Presentation Area to your needs. When your activities have concluded please reset the room to its default configuration by aligning the tables with the markings found on the floor.
The Lounge
Bean Bags!
Bean Bags!
A space for small groups to convene, meet new friends or simply kick back and take a load off. You are always welcome but be respectful of others in the space.
The Lounge
Crafting Corner
Design Lab 1 is equipped with 3 sewing machines! No worries if you've never sewn before; our staff on hand can talk with you about your project and help you get set up. On top of that, we have an archive of scrap fabric to get you immediately started. To learn how to safely use the various tools please refer to the Sewing & Fibers link and/or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Cutting Machine
Cutting Machine
The Cricut Maker 3 cutting machine is a precise cutting tool for paper, fabrics, and other flat materials. With a sharp knife, it cuts your digital design onto the material of your choice, similar to having a printer print on paper of your choice. Click on the Cricut Cutter link to learn more about this resource and/or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Paper Crafting
Paper Crafting
Our low-low fi prototyping bench holds so many possibilities, with absolutely everything you need to make something in just a few minutes. Click on the Paper Crafting link to learn more about this resource and/or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Button Making
Button Making
By popular demand from our users, the Design Lab 1 features a button maker! Click on the Button Maker link to learn more about this resource and/or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Assembly Corner
Assembly Bench
Assembly Bench
The Assembly Bench is a collection of hand tools intended for light work. To learn how to safely use the various tools please refer to the Tool Guide and/or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Electronics Assembly
Electronics Assembly
Design Lab 1 offers microcontrollers workshops and easy access to electronics kits via equipment checkout in Groundworks. Design Lab 1's Electronic Assembly Bench is setup with a work surface and simple tools to accommodate workshops and projects. Click on the Electronic Assembly Bench link to learn more about this resource and/or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Storage Solutions
Design Lab 1 has temporary storage bins located in the crafting corner available for faculty, staff and students to reserve for a semester. Students and staff are allowed 1 bin of reservable storage each, faculty are allowed up to 4 bins of storage for their classes.
Faculty are allowed to reserve additional storage in the assembly corner, where they can house their supplies and class materials in a 4' x 4' cube of floor storage.
Some general rules regarding DL 1 storage are listed below:
As space is limited, storage bins and spaces must be cleaned out by the end of the semester to accommodate new storage requests from patrons.
If your storage bin/space is not empty by the start of the following semester, Design Lab staff will dispose of and redistribute your materials as they see fit.
If more time is needed, you must contact the Design Lab Manager to confirm your renewed storage or continuous storage request.
Please note that storage will only be confirmed after the requestor in question receives a confirmation email from the Design Lab Manager.
If you would like to request storage in Design Lab 1, you may fill out this Google form here.
Safety & Policy
Protect Your Community
Protect Your Community
When used properly, tools and resources in the Design Lab 1 are safe and capable. Because of the nature of the unique resources found in DL1, it is important to review lab policies and safety so that you know what is expected of you and what to do in the event of an emergency.
Scheduling Design Lab 1
Scheduling Design Lab 1
We invite select classes, project teams, and student clubs to gather here in the company of others. Please keep in mind that Design Lab 1 is an open space with unique resources, so reservations are not exclusive. Groups that require access to Design Lab 1 resources will receive priority.
To reserve Design Lab 1 contact dc-scheduling@umich.edu
24/7 card access to Design Lab 1 is available to students who are engaged in projects that:
Require access to DL1 tools and materials
Cannot be completed during regular open hours
To request 24/7 card access complete the Design Lab 1 Orientation module found on our Canvas course: https://umich.instructure.com/enroll/34GB6F
Page updated
Report abuse