A creative challenge for students

To explore these ideas in practice, the Digital Labs working group partnered with second-year students from the Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) programme at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences to respond to two challenges:

  • What are the possibilities that Virtual Reality/Extended Reality offers to promote student wellbeing?
  • Design an experience for UM students and staff using the library media facilities.

In February, the students were invited to take on this creative challenge focused on the role of immersive technology in academic life.

Using methods such as design thinking and co-creation, the students worked in teams to develop a wide range of ideas. Their concepts are based on real needs within the university and show that technology can do more than deliver information; it can also support wellbeing, creativity and a sense of community.

Get in the labs: a mini-expo at the Inner City Library

The outcomes of the project will be shared in a small exhibition, ‘Get in the labs’, in the Well-being Room at the Inner City Library. The display invites visitors to experience and reflect on the students’ ideas, and to consider how digital tools could support wellbeing in a university setting.

Exhibition dates
30 June to 11 July

Location
Well-being Room, Inner City Library

On 30 June from 13:00, CMD students will be present to talk about their work and share insights into their creative process. Visitors are welcome to join or drop in at any time.

Towards the future of Digital Labs

This project is part of a broader strategy to develop Digital Labs within the library. In addition to current offerings such as the DIY Podcast Studios, the DIY Video Studio, and the Vesalius Room in the Randwyck Library, new facilities are being planned to expand hands-on learning opportunities.

These labs are intended to serve as flexible environments where students and staff can explore digital tools, experiment with media and support both independent study and teaching innovation.

Actively involving students in the early stages of development helps ensure that future facilities are shaped by the perspectives of those they are intended to serve. Insights from this project will contribute to the ongoing development of the Digital Labs, helping to align future facilities with the experiences and expectations of students. Part of this includes exploring opportunities to provide wellbeing and relaxation facilities. This contributes to the inclusive character of the library and also to healthy study behaviour. This approach results in outcomes that reflect real needs and priorities from within the academic community.

Get involved

If you have any thoughts, questions or suggestions about the development of the Digital Labs, the team would be glad to hear from you. You can get in touch via Ask Your Librarian.
In addition, the students warmly welcome you to visit the mini expo from 30 June until 11 July. Would you like to experience our Digital Labs for yourself? They are open to all members of the UM community, students, teachers, researchers, and staff. Visit our website for more information and to reserve one of these spaces.