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.
Hours:
Mon-Fri, Noon-9 pm
Sunday Noon-3
Saturday Closed
Walk-ins Welcome!
Location: 1321 Duderstadt Center
Contact: designlabsInfo@umich.edu
Our resources include:
- Equipment for button making, fabric and paper crafting
- Supplies for design experimentation
- Workshops to enhance your skills with hands-on sessions
- Design competitions to challenge yourself and showcase your creativity
- Space for both classroom learning and extracurricular activities
- Storage solutions on a semester basis. Use the Storage Request Form to reserve time.
Join us in Design Lab 1 to explore new ideas, push creative boundaries, and be part of a vibrant, innovative community.
Help Desk
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
Presentation Area
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 remains open so others may continue to use its unique resources. DMC Fellows are available to help facilitate the sharing of resources.
Presentation System
Design Lab 1 offers a large projection screen with a control panel that allows 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 System Operation link or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Reconfigurable Classroom
The tables and chairs in DL1 are on wheels allowing you to reconfigure the presentation area to your needs. When your activities have concluded the room should be reset to its default configuration by aligning the tables with the markings found on the floor.
The Lounge
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.
Crafting Corner
Sewing Machines
Design Lab 1 is equipped with 4 sewing machines. No experience is necessary, our staff can help you get set up and walk you through your project. Additionally, we have a collection of scrap fabric to get you started. To learn how to safely use the various sewing tools, please refer to the Sewing & Fibers link or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Cutting Machine
The Cricut Maker 3 cutting machine is a precise cutting tool for paper, fabrics, and other flat materials. Similar to printing a design onto paper, the Cricut’s sharp knife cuts a digital design into the material of your choice. Click on the Cricut Cutter link to learn more about this resource or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Paper Crafting
Our low-fi prototyping bench is stocked with a variety of basic making supplies to get you creating in just a few minutes. Click on the Paper Crafting link to learn more about this resource or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Button Making
By popular demand from our users, Design Lab 1 features a button maker. Click on the Button Maker link to learn more about this resource or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Assembly Corner
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 or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Electronics Assembly
Design Lab 1 offers microcontroller workshops and easy access to electronics kits via the equipment checkout in Groundworks. The Design Lab’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 or ask the DMC Fellow on site for assistance.
Storage Solutions
Storage Bins
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.
Storage Cubes
Faculty may 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, please complete the Google form here.
Safety & Policy
Protect your Community
When used properly the tools and resources in Design Lab 1 are safe. However, it is still important to review the lab policies and safety guidelines so that you know what to expect and what to do in the event of an emergency.
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
After-Hours Access
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