RTTA 3/2: InnovationSpace

A 3D printed sculpture sits on a table

InnovationSpace is a joint venture among The Design School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. The goal of this transdisciplinary education and research lab is to teach students how to develop products that create market value and serve real societal needs while minimizing impacts on the environment.

InnovationSpace is a two-semester course that satisfies the studio, capstone and thesis requirements for senior majors in each unit. In addition, many of the students are Barrett Honors College students and write their honors theses about their InnovationSpace work. In the course, interdisciplinary teams of students use a product-development model known as Integrated Innovation to develop, test and refine real-world product concepts for paying sponsors including Intel and Herman Miller.

Since 2006, CNS-ASU has supported the work of three transdisciplinary teams (12 students) annually. Examples of student projects CNS-ASU has sponsored include nano-based solutions for:

  • ensuring the freedom, privacy and security of citizens;
  • visualizing socially beneficial opportunities for human health and enhancement;
  • securing equitable access to clean energy;
  • addressing urban sustainability in relation to waste management, efficient transportation and energy awareness.