Meet The Team
A comprehensive redesign of the Computer Science Education Laboratory (CSEL) at CU Boulder, reimagining the space to foster collaboration, productivity, and a sense of belonging.
Our project reimagines the CSEL by engaging with its community to create a strategic outline for future physical and digital changes. By incorporating students' needs and perspectives, we aim to design a space, website, and social opportunities to foster collaboration, productivity, and a sense of belonging.
Complete reimagining of the physical space to optimize for different types of student activities, improve accessibility, and create a more welcoming environment.
Creation of a central digital hub for the CSEL community to showcase student projects, reserve spaces, and find resources.
Developing workshops, events, and outreach programs that strengthen connections among Computer Science students, faculty, and staff.
Golden Circle SVG Here
We approached this project using Simon Sinek's Golden Circle framework, starting with our core purpose:
To build a home for Computer Science students that fosters a sense of belonging, community, and pride.
By applying user-centered design principles, serving the natural community, developing pride, and amplifying successes.
The physical space redesign, community website, workshops, and student outreach programs that transform the CSEL into a true hub for computer science education.
Percent Increase in Seating
Students Surveyed
Community Workshops Planned
Percent Student Approval
Drag the slider to compare the current space with our redesigned vision
First spatial concept focusing on measuring the space and understanding traffic patterns.
Enhanced design incorporating user feedback about seating options and divisionality through height variety.
Refined layout with improved traffic flow, updated material selections, and enhanced lighting concepts.
Final design featuring accessibility improvements, café section, and updated lighting based on all user feedback.
Added 40% more seating with a focus on diverse arrangement options including individual, group, and collaborative spaces.
Wider pathways, improved furniture height options, and better spatial organization for increased accessibility.
Strategic zoning of the space to create quiet study areas, collaborative zones, and social spaces with appropriate acoustic treatments.
Refreshed color palette with natural materials, improved lighting, and plant integration for a more welcoming environment.
Modular and movable furniture systems that allow students to customize their workspace based on their specific needs.
Dedicated space for CSEL Sips - a coffee and refreshment area that serves as both a social hub and study break location.
The new CSEL website serves as a central digital hub for the Computer Science community at CU Boulder, enhancing the physical space redesign through online resources and community features.
Clean, accessible interface following university design standards
Mobile-responsive design for access on all devices
Integration with university authentication systems
Custom-built for the specific needs of CSEL users
Easy-to-use system for students to reserve study rooms, collaboration spaces, and presentation areas for group projects or individual work.
Platform for students to display their completed projects, fostering knowledge sharing and community recognition of achievements.
Centralized calendar for workshops, speaker events, office hours, and community gatherings to improve participation and accessibility.
Our project includes the development of regular workshops and social events designed to strengthen the computer science community while sharing valuable skills and knowledge.
Workshops are developed based on student interests and needs, with opportunities for students to both teach and learn.
Topics range from technical skills and career development to wellness and work-life balance in the tech industry.
Learn how to create your own professional portfolio hosted on GitHub Pages with your own domain. Perfect for showcasing your projects to potential employers.
Regular practice sessions for technical interviews, including algorithm challenges, system design problems, and behavioral question preparation.
Weekly informal gatherings where students can work on projects, ask questions, and connect with peers over free coffee and refreshments.
January 2024
Conducted stakeholder interviews with Michelle Schol (CSEL Ambassador Supervisor) and Spencer (Grad Student and Professor) to understand key pain points and opportunities.
February 2024
Gathered extensive feedback from the CSEL community through surveys and observations. Identified key issues: lack of seating, poor organization, and limited resources. Identified key needs for website features and use cases.
February - March 2024
Researched best practices in educational space design. Developed initial 3D models based on user-centered design principles, comfort, and noise management.
March 2024
Created multiple design iterations based on continued user feedback. Refined spatial organization, furniture selection, and aesthetic elements. Talked with Spencer and Michelle to iterate on initial website and plan community events.
March - April 2024
Designed and developed a comprehensive website for the CSEL community with project showcase, room reservations, and event calendar features.
April 2024
Finalized comprehensive redesign proposal including physical space changes, website implementation, and community program recommendations.
Computer Science Education Laboratory (CSEL)
Engineering
Center,
ECCS 114
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO 80309
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