PRODUCT STRATEGY + RESEARCH + DESIGN
An Interdisciplinary Research Studio
SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY
Investing in Interdisciplinary Research through a Research Studio
Investing in interdisciplinary research is one of the key strategic goals of Southern Methodist University. Aside from supporting the needs of faculty and students, this goal puts the university on the radar for future university investments and will attract grants and funding for research. To support this goal, SMU sought to create a Research Studio that will offer research and learning services that leverage the competencies and expertise of different units within the university.
As a Strategist and Design Researcher, I worked closely with the client and SteerCo to craft the overall vision for the studio while planning and facilitating research activities and workshops that engaged nearly 100 faculty and student stakeholders to identify lived experiences and needs.
Methods
Students and faculty in a collaborative study space at Southern Methodist University.
Rendered images of the interdisciplinary research studio
with brightspot strategy / Buro Happold | September 2019 to February 2020
REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRAMMING WORKSHOP
We held a space programming workshop with leadership to determine priority spaces and key requirements for space colocation and consolidation.
LEADERSHIP INTERVIEWS AND VISIONING
We conducted interviews with leadership to gauge their aspirations for the studio and co-develop a vision for the Research Studio.
SERVICE STRATEGY WORKSHOPS
We held multiple workshops with experts and service heads from the library and IT units to define the ideal library user experience. We identified design principles for the studio and developed a suite of programs and services that would meet the research needs of faculty and students.
A Research Studio for both play and serious scholarship work
We proposed a world-class Research Studio for interdisciplinary and data-driven study that offers 360-degree research and career support for graduate and PhD students and faculty. The studio will offer programs and services focused on communication, data science, research technologies, and community building – all delivered through the partnership of library and IT staff expertise. Spaces such as project rooms, AR Labs, media production rooms, and screening rooms will be available to support creation, collaboration, and exploration.
USER RESEARCH WITH FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS
We held interviews and workshops to identify current research experience and needs and surface desired services for the Research Studio.
FIELD STUDY
We toured the library site to assess the current state of spaces – observing wayfinding and navigation systems to understand flow and traffic as well as inspecting unutilized spaces to identify opportunities for space efficiency, renovation, and colocation.