The DME now offers a student staff-initiated project where the Lab will pilot weekly time blocks with reduced sensory distractions. These hours are designed to provide an alternative environment for digital media authoring and creative technology project work. Developed in consultation with Summer 2025 lab users, this pilot will explore how the DME can better support a range of learning styles and workspace needs.

Services available during Lower Sensory Creative Hours:

• Consultation services (please note: our consultation staff may take some questions outside of the Lab)
• Knitting, crochet, and hand sewing area.
• Low-impact hand tools (unpowered only)
• 3D printers (alarms and other sounds silenced)
• Adobe Digital media authoring workstations and computers
• Soldering and electronics workstations (silent multimeters provided on request)
• Soldering and electronics stations

Reduced services during Lower Sensory Creative Hours*

• Laser cutter
• Sewing and knitting machines (hand sewing, crocheting, and knitting are welcome)
• Cricut vinyl cutter
• Percussive tools (e.g., hammers)

*Many of these services can be booked immediately after lower sensory hours! Please ask our booking staff to check availability.

Space limitations

We anticipate that some environmental factors will be beyond our control during this pilot. However, we will work with building partners to develop solutions, wherever possible. Such factors may include:

• Ambient sound from adjacent spaces (E.g., Yonge Street, SLC event spaces,...)
• Overhead fluorescent lighting and natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows
• HVAC systems, temperature fluctuations

Participation and Feedback

Lower Sensory Creative Hours are drop-in by design, so no registration is required. Equipment should still be booked in advance on the DME website or at the Welcome desk, if access is needed. Staff will be available for one-on-one assistance and light equipment training, but group workshops will not be offered during these hours.