Design Innovation

students using virtual reality equipment

Design Innovation at 91�ֿ�

Design Innovation (DI) at 91�ֿ� is a university-wide initiative that unites people, ideas, and resources to help our community solve real-world problems through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Learn more about DI

Spring 2026 Events

Become a Fearless Collaborator

Discover endless opportunities for innovation and collaboration at the DI Hub, 91�ֿ�'s largest makerspace and innovation accelerator.

Our Stories

photo of two women posing in front of a door

Biomimicry in Motion

Isabella “Bella” Rudy, a junior fashion design major with a minor in marketing, transformed nature into wearable art through an ambitious biomimicry project at the Design Innovation Hub. For her Junior Studio final project, Rudy designed an avant garde garment inspired by the King Bird of Paradise.

23 Jan, 2026

‘I’m Not Going to Stop Until There’s a “Ph.D.” Next to My Name’

Delonte Goodman is a graduate student in 91�ֿ�'s College of Aeronautics and Engineering. He will complete his master's program in mechatronics in December, before moving on to his doctoral program in the spring semester. He is active in multiple student and professional organizations at 91�ֿ� that enhance and complement his studies and also allow him to assist and mentor undergraduate students.

21 Oct, 2025

David E. Silva adjusts a volumetric camera

Creating a Paradigm Shift

David E. Silva participated in The John and Fonda Elliot Design Innovation Faculty Fellows Program, a six-week intensive fellowship with the Design Innovation Initiative that embodies DI's core mission of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting design, innovation and technology while serving as an incubator for cross-university projects.

12 Sep, 2025

photo of neighborhood of 3d printed houses

Bringing Neighborhoods to Life

Jennifer Mapes, an assistant professor of geography at 91�ֿ�, developed an interactive mapping project that reimagines how people connect with the places they live. Using 3D printing, data visualization and storytelling, Mapes's work explores the South End neighborhood in Kent, Ohio.

10 Oct, 2025

photo of Stauffer and one of her designs

Designing for the Planet

Rachel Stauffer, a senior at 91�ֿ� double majoring in Fashion Design and Business Marketing, is using fashion as a vehicle for environmental change. Her latest project, a seven-look biodegradable collection titled "Bury Me," blends technical innovation with bold sustainability goals.

28 Apr, 2025

Exploring Structure and Vulnerability

91�ֿ� MFA candidate and DI Hub Collaborator Atoosa Fadaei recently unveiled her thesis installation "Paradox," a sculptural work that merges traditional materials with digital fabrication to explore themes of displacement, war, and cultural memory.

17 Apr, 2025

Faculty from 91�ֿ�'s School of Fashion, Daniel Fladung with students at an E-Textiles workshop.

Form and Function Merge in Creating Wearable Technology

Creating e-textiles is the topic of a hands-on, maker workshop and a lecture in 91�ֿ�’s Design Innovation (DI) Hub in collaboration with 91�ֿ�’s School of Fashion.

07 Oct, 2025

Core Strategies

Stay Connected

Don’t miss out on what’s happening in Design Innovation at 91�ֿ�! Join our email list and get direct updates on our upcoming events and workshops, important announcements, and ways to get involved with the initiative.

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