Thinklab integrates structured thinking tools, software, and techniques with interactive media technologies to advance the capacity of transdisciplinary work to move from concept to action.
Thinklab’s design leverages information systems to document, trace, and archive ongoing collaborations in an immersive and highly interactive way, aiding the collaborative process with reflective and situational knowledge. Collaborations are supported in both real-time, in the lab, and offline, through electronic media support.
As an experimental environment, Thinklab offers both a space and support structure for transdisciplinary work, and a laboratory for the testing, playing and development of both existing and in-development collaborative tools, media, technologies, and systems.
Thinklab was conceived and designed by Kathleen Brandt (Syracuse University Industrial and Interaction Design) and Brian Lonsway (Syracuse University School of Architecture) in 2010 in response to the many challenges that can and often do arise in collaborative practice. The concept behind the project is based on their many years of work with advanced media technology, and experience as engaged designers and teachers with students and community stakeholders around regional food system sustainability.
Thinklab is supported through the Transdisciplinary Media Studio, one of 19 projects funded by the Chancellor’s Leadership Project Initiative in 2009. The funded projects support the University’s mission of Scholarship in Action and “span the academic disciplines yet resonate with common purpose: to bring faculty and students together in collaboration with communities of experts from many sectors in addressing critical questions and challenges facing society.”