Kent State’s Design Innovation (DI) Hub stands as a beacon for creativity and collaboration, offering students a range of resources and professional tools — but some students are more interested in the food.
Located on campus by Bowman Hall, the DI Hub is more than just a dining area. It’s a dynamic environment where students from engineering to fashion majors can explore new ideas and develop their projects.
The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and technology, including 3D printers, laser cutters and other advanced equipment.
A standout feature of the DI Hub is its emphasis on design thinking and user-centered design. Students have access to workshops and training sessions, held once a week, that will allow them to access the tools and spaces available.
“If someone wants to use anything, they first need to attend our orientation session, which is just a one hour-long overview and tour so they know what they’re getting themselves into,” Chris Holthe, the DI Hub and ecosystem director, said.
For students looking to get hands-on experience, the DI Hub provides a range of resources. The facility includes dedicated spaces for digital fabrication, electronics and textiles, catering to various project needs.
“They can come in whenever we’re open and use whatever they like,” Holthe said. “If they don’t know how to use something, we have our crew of student employees, or they can come in and experiment.”
For some students, they see the DI Hub simply as a dining hall and forget about all the machinery right below them. They see it as somewhere to eat and chat with friends in between classes and overlook the huge library of resources and technology at their fingertips.
Even students like Oksana Zarefoss, who works for the Student Life Study as a recruitment coordinator, based out of the DI Hub, didn’t know all of the resources available.
“I had no idea you could rent out that kind of equipment here,” Zarefoss said. “That’s actually really cool.”
The DI Hub is also a collaborative space where students can connect with faculty and industry professionals. Regular networking events and guest lectures provide opportunities for students to gain insights from experts and build connections that can aid in their professional development. The building offers students in and outside of the business major professional resources and people to help start and grow their ideas.
Overall, the DI Hub is a vital resource for Kent State students, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and interdisciplinary collaboration flourishes. By providing access to cutting-edge tools and resources, the DI Hub supports every student.
For more information on how to utilize the DI Hub, students can visit the DI Hub website or contact the hub’s staff for guidance and support.
Jake Rankin is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].
