Groundworks
Welcome
Groundworks is the entry level media computing lab at the Duderstadt Center. Open whenever the Duderstadt Center is open, Groundworks is the perfect place to begin asking questions about your media related projects. All of these resources are available to any current members of the university community. Some of the resources require training or certification before utilizing. Please contact us with any questions at Groundworks@umich.edu
Completing this canvas course and filling out the documents at the end will give you access to the Recording Booth and Multimedia Workrooms.
Our in-person orientation for the Personal Studio will showcase the tools of the room and how it can be used for production. The 30 minute-ish training session is offered twice a week. Feel free to sign up for an Orientation Session
What are you looking to create?
Animation Resources
New to Groundworks in the winter term 2025 is the new stop motion animation station! The new setup includes a computer with Dragon Frame, connected camera, lights, figures, and stands for learning and prototyping your stop motion skills.
Our Copy Stand is terrific for 2D stop motion (think "South Park"), or for digitizing something that won't work in the variety of scanners in Groundworks (e.g. book scanning).
Audio Resources
No matter your experience with audio recording and production, Groundworks, and the DMC houses a variety of audio spaces and equipment to help you produce great audio.
Digitizing Resources
Groundworks and the DMC has many options for taking a physical or "analog" item and making a digital version to work with on your computer. These are as simple as scanning a document, or converting a video tape to MP4, to photogrammetry, and 3D scanning.
If you have questions regarding our resources, please feel free to contact us at Groundworks@umich.edu
Graphic Design Resources
Looking to develop your design skillset? Groundworks has industry standard tools for creating digital content. With access to the Adobe Suite, as well as a variety of hardware tools, we can help get you up and running with your design aesthetic.
Podcasting Resources
Groundworks offers a variety of options for creating podcasts, depending on your needs. Whether it is long format storytelling, round-table discussion, remote interviews, or talking with people around the community, we have options for you to choose from. We can even show you how to utilize applications like Zoom for an entry level option for podcasting.
Video Production/Post Production Resources
Do you have a need for video production tools? Groundworks and the Digital Media Commons at the Duderstadt Center has many options to consider to capture content. Whether you need mobile phone production or a full blown professional video studio. We have options for you.
After completing your video shoot, audio recording, or podcast, the resources Groundworks provides can help you to edit everything together. That combined with our skilled staff, we are happy to help you learn the tools necessary to create any content you like.
Photography Resources
Not only does Groundworks have camera kits availabe for checkout, but it has spaces set up to document your physical media, like models, 3d prints, etc. Take a look to see how you document your work.
