Program Overview

Introduction to the Design Lab

The O.T. Swanson Multidisciplinary Design Laboratory, also known as the Design Lab, offers students a unique opportunity to engage in clinical real-world experiences. This laboratory integrates discipline-specific knowledge with engineering practice, focusing on challenging, multidisciplinary design projects.

Program Overview

The Design Lab process is designed to provide a capstone experience, preparing students to enter the workforce. The projects undertaken are open-ended and technically challenging, addressing a broad array of important contemporary issues. Sponsors of these projects not only identify significant problems but also provide substantial grants and interact directly with students, faculty, and staff to develop design solutions.

Key Features of the Design Lab

• The laboratory provides a platform for students to work on real-world, multidisciplinary design projects.
  • These projects are technically challenging and open-ended, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in innovative ways.
• The program is supported by sponsors who provide grants and collaborate with the university community to find solutions to contemporary issues.
• The Design Lab serves as a capstone experience, equipping students with the necessary skills and experience to transition into the workforce.

Program Details

Project Nature

The projects in the Design Lab are characterized by their complexity and relevance to current issues. They require students to integrate their discipline-specific knowledge with engineering practices to develop effective solutions.

Sponsor Involvement

Sponsors play a crucial role in the Design Lab by identifying important problems, providing financial support through grants, and engaging directly with the project teams. This interaction enhances the learning experience and ensures that the projects are meaningful and applicable to real-world scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

The Design Lab is intended to prepare students for professional practice by providing them with a comprehensive, hands-on experience. Through their participation in the laboratory, students develop a deeper understanding of engineering principles, learn to work in multidisciplinary teams, and cultivate the skills necessary to tackle complex design challenges.