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Group tours (30-45 min) introduce participants to the DI Hub’s Reactor makerspace and collaboration environments through a guided overview of available tools, spaces, and opportunities. Tours are a great way to explore what’s possible at DI and learn how students, classes, and partners engage with the DI Hub. 

The DI Hub Orientation is the first step toward becoming a DI Hub member. This one-hour session introduces Design Innovation at Kent State, provides a guided tour of the Reactor Shops & Labs, and activates participant memberships so attendees can begin using DI Hub resources.

The DI Hub Orientation+ combines the standard DI Hub Orientation with additional equipment-focused How To Sessions. This extended experience is ideal for classes or groups that want both membership access and hands-on introductions to key makerspace tools.

Learn how to use tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, vinyl cutters, and more. These free, 30-minute sessions are designed for all experience levels and focus on safe, efficient equipment operation so you can feel confident working independently on Reactor projects.

Dive deeper into design innovation through hands-on learning. These 2–3 hour sessions introduce tools, technologies, and creative processes such as 3D printing, electronics, extended reality (XR), and more—helping you build skills, explore ideas, and create your own projects from start to finish.

DI Toolkit Tuesdays are interactive sessions, led by our Elliot Design Innovation Student Fellows, that introduce participants to core Design Innovation mindsets and collaboration practices. Through short, hands-on activities, participants explore topics like storytelling, teamwork, empathy, and creative problem-solving while building skills that support innovation across disciplines.

DI Fellows Think Tanks are free, drop-in sessions that give you the chance to bring your challenges, projects, or ideas to a team of our innovative, creative, and problem-solving Elliot Design Innovation Student Fellows. Whether you need help refining an idea, visualizing a solution, or figuring out which maker tools to use to prototype your project, the DI Fellows are here to offer guidance and support. 

DI staff can work with instructors, student organizations, and community groups to design tailored workshops aligned with specific learning goals. Custom sessions may focus on makerspace tools, design innovation methods, teamwork strategies, or interdisciplinary problem-solving experiences.

Most workshops require advance registration through the DI Hub member portal or via group scheduling with DI staff. Because space and equipment availability are limited, early registration is encouraged.

Participants should arrive a few minutes before the start of sessions. Depending on the activity, late arrivals may be asked to reschedule to ensure safety and continuity.

Workshop descriptions include recommended experience levels when applicable. Some sessions are open to beginners, while others may include prerequisites.

If you need to cancel a workshop registration, you may do so through the member portal. For paid workshops, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.

Participants who do not attend a workshop without prior notice are not eligible for refunds. Requests related to extenuating circumstances may be reviewed individually.

If the DI Hub cancels a session due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive a full refund and advance notice whenever possible.

All participants are expected to follow safety procedures while working in the Reactor makerspace. This includes:

• Following instructor guidance.
• Using required protective equipment.
• Completing any required training before equipment use.

Workshop sizes are limited to ensure safe access to tools and support from instructors.

For programs involving participants who are not members of the Kent State University community, a DI Hub Liability Waiver must be completed prior to participation. If a participant is a minor, a parent or guardian must complete the minor version of the waiver on their behalf.

Additional guidance regarding university policies related to campus programs involving minors is available through Kent State’s Policy Register.

The following guidelines apply to non-KSU groups participating in programs at the Design Innovation Hub. Additional details may be shared depending on the type of visit or activity requested.

Group Size - Most external group sessions are designed for a maximum of 30 participants per visit to ensure access to space, equipment, and instructional support.

Chaperones (K–12 Groups Only) - Middle and high school groups must include:

• One chaperone per 10 students (ages 9–14)
• One chaperone per 12 students (ages 15–17)

Chaperones are expected to remain with their group throughout the visit.

Lunch Options - Groups planning to eat on campus should indicate this during scheduling. Participants may bring lunches or arrange to purchase meals at the DI Dining Hall.

Parking - Visitor parking is available in the Kent Student Center visitor lot on Summit Street for a daily fee.

Payment - Payment for external group programs is due after the completion of the visit and may be made by credit card or check payable to Kent State University.

Cancellations - If your group needs to cancel or reschedule, please notify DI staff at least 7 days in advance so we can adjust staffing and space reservations accordingly.