Expanding Digital Fabrication in Product Design Education through Student-Led 3D Printing Facilities.

About this initiative

This initiative will enhance digital fabrication access, develop independent student engagement, and embed 3D printing as a core learning tool in Product Design and beyond. The impact will be measured through quantifiable data, student feedback, and curriculum integration assessments. Increased Student Access to Digital Fabrication Tools The addition of Bambu Lab A1 3D printers will expand capacity, meeting the growing demand for prototyping and iterative development. Students will have more opportunities to experiment with form, function, and manufacturability, reinforcing real-world design principles. Success will be measured through printer usage logs, booking system data, and student project submissions, ensuring that expanded resources are effectively utilized and accessible. Improved Student Independence & Digital Literacy By integrating a structured, student-led training system, learners will train, book, and operate the printers independently, fostering technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and resource responsibility. Students’ confidence and ability to use 3D printing autonomously will be evaluated through training completion rates and self-reported surveys, ensuring they develop industry-relevant digital fabrication competencies. Scalable Peer-Learning Model This initiative will strengthen peer-to-peer learning, enabling experienced students to train and mentor their peers, reducing reliance on faculty while enhancing collaborative learning. The effectiveness of this model will be assessed through student-led training logs, participation rates, and feedback from trainees, ensuring sustainability and scalability across disciplines. Enhanced Integration of Digital Manufacturing in Curriculum Faster, more efficient prototyping workflows will directly impact design iteration speed, material testing, and manufacturing feasibility studies. Students will apply their digital fabrication skills across 3D Rapid Prototyping, Modelling for User Validation, and Industrial Design Studio modules. The impact will be measured through before-and-after project assessments, student reflections, and feedback from academic staff, demonstrating how improved access to 3D printing directly enhances learning outcomes.