Introduction

If you found your way to our Canvas site you have probably checked out The Design Lab's webpages on the U-M Library Website, visited the physical spaces, or just heard about the Lab! Either way, we are excited to have you engage with us in the Design Lab Spaces!

The Design Lab is an ever-evolving experimental space focused on creating engaged learning opportunities and experiences across research, artistic, teaching, and hobby projects. We are comprised of different learning communities across three spaces (P.I.E. Space, Media Production Rooms, and Workshop), which feature a variety of tools: 3D printers, audio/video hardware and software, typewriters, sewing and textiles art tools, prototyping supplies, are just a few off our list.

We are available for personal, academic, and collaborative projects!

Let's Get Started!

It only takes 4 simple steps to begin creating things with us!

Step 1:

Join the Canvas Course!

Click the "Join" button in the top right corner of this page! It helps us gauge interest and understand which equipment you want to use and you will need to join to complete the modules.

Step 2:

Finish the Introduction Course! (7 minutes)

We have lots of equipment and we trust that you are able to use them safely. To begin let's read each page in the Intro, Policies and Protocols Module. (This page is one of them!) After reading, don't forget to mark each item as "completed"!

Step 3:

Pick a Machine (or Two or Three!) (~15 minutes)

Once you have completed the introduction module, choose any of the machines you are interested in and finish its training modules (Instructions and a short quiz). You're almost ready!

3D Printers Module

Media Production Rooms Module

Letterpress and Typewriters Module

Sewing Machine Module

Soldering Station Module

Vinyl Cutter Module

Glowforge Laser Cutter Module

Step 4:

Make a Reservation!

You are all set to come in and use the space or machine! After finishing each module, you will be able to open a "Schedule a Reservation" Module for the respective space or machine. For the media production rooms you then can use (and bookmark) the reservation link to schedule a time to come in. For machines in the workshop you will be prompted to complete a google form to let Design Lab Staff know more about your project then we will send you the reservation link.

After your first appointment has been completed, we will ask you to write a very short blog post (1-2 paragraphs) about your project and experience with us to be uploaded to our design lab blog. It really helps others find the space and helps us determine how to help you better!

Questions, Comments or Concerns? Contact us!

Design Lab Blog - Lab Notes: https://www.lib.umich.edu/blogs/lab-notes

Design Lab email for questions or issues: shapirodesignlab@umich.edu

Image Attributions:
3D printer and Laser Cutter Icons obtained from DeemakDaksina, Vinyl Stickers from iconixar, Sewing Machine, Soldering, Text icons from Freepik, Audio and Video icon from Eucalyp. All images obtained from Flaticon.com. The Shapiro Design Lab does not own these images.