The center’s design research develops design theory and methods to improve the design process, with primary focus areas in design education, computational design and artificial intelligence, and design for “X”.

MERGE (MEchanical engineeRing desiGn pEdagogy) Lab

Principal Investigator: Dr. Sean Neimi
Website: https://merge.mae.ufl.edu

The MERGE (MEchanical engineeRing desiGn pEdagogy) Lab was founded in 2019 as a focal point for investigating novel methods of instruction for mechanical design courses.  Leveraging the large enrollment of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, we are able to perform studies focusing on improving assessment of student outcomes while minimizing faculty overload.  Our group teaches a variety of Sophomore through Senior level courses, focusing on teaching design methodology and teaching students methods to implement design style problem solving even in theory focused courses. Dr. Neimi also manages the UF ACENet Hub (https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/ace) and the Design and Manufacturing Laboratory (https://mae.ufl.edu/designlab).

Gatorkits Lab

Principal Investigator: Dr. Matthew J. Traum
Website: www.gatorkits.com | https://gatorkits.eng.ufl.edu

The world’s leading creator of inexpensive desktop-scale educational lab equipment, gatorkits lab makes hands-on engineering laboratory experiences accessible to remote learners.

Artificial Intelligence in Design (AID) Group

Principal Investigator: Dr. Umesh Persad
Website: https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/aid/

The Artificial Intelligence in Design (AID) Group applies artificial intelligence, computational design, and simulation to medical design problems. Applications focus on orthopaedic products such as prosthetics, assistive technology and implants.