The School of Design houses a growing ecosystem of research and innovation laboratories that support interdisciplinary teaching, research, experimentation and collaboration. These laboratories provide students, researchers, faculty, industry and community partners with opportunities to explore emerging technologies, traditional knowledge systems, human-centred design and material innovation through project-based learning and research.
The labs function as creative spaces where ideas are transformed into prototypes, products, services and research outcomes with meaningful social, cultural, environmental and technological impact.
Design Forge Lab is the School's primary innovation and prototyping facility, supporting the complete design process from ideation and concept development to fabrication and testing. The lab enables students to experiment with materials, manufacturing processes, digital technologies and rapid prototyping techniques while developing practical design solutions.
Design Forge encourages learning by making and promotes iterative design processes through sketching, modelling, prototyping and user testing. Students gain hands-on experience with traditional craftsmanship alongside contemporary fabrication methods, allowing them to bridge creativity with technical competence.
The laboratory supports coursework, industry-sponsored projects, research initiatives, product development and entrepreneurial innovation.
People Lab is the School's interdisciplinary research laboratory dedicated to human-centred design, participatory design, design anthropology and social innovation. The lab investigates how design can contribute to improving everyday life by working collaboratively with communities, public institutions, industry and policymakers.
The lab emphasizes research-through-design, co-design, ethnographic inquiry and community participation to address complex societal challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on inclusive design, public services, healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage and the unique social and ecological contexts of the Himalayan region.
People Lab serves as a platform for collaborative research, doctoral studies, funded projects, community engagement and international partnerships.
The Pottery Lab celebrates the relationship between traditional craft practices, material exploration and contemporary design. The laboratory provides students with opportunities to understand clay as both a creative and functional material while exploring ceramics through experimentation, making and design research.
Students engage with the complete ceramic process—from hand-building and wheel throwing to glazing, firing and surface exploration— developing an appreciation for material behaviour, craftsmanship, sustainability and cultural heritage.
