Student Changemakers Sought for McMillon Innovation Studio Design Teams

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The McMillon Innovation Studio exists to shape the future of commerce by developing and enabling students to be catalysts of innovation. Located in the Harmon Parking Garage, the Studio loves to see student-led ideas come to life.

Students interested in harnessing innovation to solve real-world problems are encouraged to apply for the spring 2024 Design Teams in the McMillon Innovation Studio. 

Established around three impact tracks — organizational, social and entrepreneurial — design teams allow students to harness human-centered design principles to solve pressing industry problems, create social impact or work toward their own startup ideas. 

The semester will conclude with Demo Day, the studio's capstone event showcasing the learnings and prototypes developed by student teams. 

Applications close Jan. 20. The typical weekly time commitment is two to five hours. 

Previous design teams have worked to improve the mobile pantry at the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, develop referral and support systems for in-patient psychiatric care and reimagined Drake Field as a hub for autonomous vehicles. 

"Our Design Teams Program is a great way to gain real-world experience," said Jessica Andrews, the studio's associate director.   "Students gain and grow skills in teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking by working on a project with a corporation, small business or nonprofit. Studio members also have exclusive, 24/7 access to the McMillon Innovation Studio space on campus." 

Andrews said students who are a team for one semester are eligible to apply for a paid project manger position, allowing them an opporunity to lead a team the following semester. 

"Our goal is to support students in gaining the experience needed to succeed after graduation," Andrews said. 

About McMillon Innovation Studio: The McMillon Innovation Studio exists to shape the future of commerce by developing and enabling students to be catalysts of innovation. The studio hosts interdisciplinary student collaboration teams and provides prototyping space for students and faculty across campus to connect and create together. Inside the studio, students have access to makerspace tools like CAD modeling and 3D printers, as well as a band saw, drill press, CNC and sewing machine.