Check-in Scanner, Two-Bin System among Intern Innovations in GID Lab

The Institute for Innovation and Global Engagement (IIGE) is about to be more efficient than ever, thanks to this year’s Global Innovation and Design Lab Intern Projects!

Though the projects are an annual requirement for GID Lab interns, it’s rare that they’d all address efficiency. But after only a few weeks in the program, interns Jessica Sellers, Mahmadkaif Ghanchi and Simrat Chhokar said they just wanted to make things easier. “A lot of good happens here in the GID Lab,” said Jessica. “These projects make 'doing the good' a lot easier.”

What do the projects allow? One project allows for student users to check-in to the GID Lab by swiping their student ID instead of filling out a log-in sheet by hand. Another project is in prototype as the next iteration of the swipe project, expanding capacity to collect and analyze data such as numbers of visitors and frequency of visits. This is especially useful as over 400 students use the GID Lab and its cubicles each quarter. The final project creates a two-bin system supported by an online inventory, so that workshop supplies are only purchased when needed instead of on a schedule.

Collectively, these projects will help IIGE better serve students and clients. Applying the entire design thinking process to their projects, interns began by interviewing a broad range of stakeholders: students, staff, faculty, and administrators of the Lab. They sketched their ideas, brainstormed in weekly meetings, presented their prototypes for feedback, and iterated to produce workable solutions. Technology and business plans accompanied the prototypes as hardware was bought and IT support was sought. Research on similar systems was an important benchmarking component of the project. 
 

The value of the internship extends beyond GID Lab projects. Interns apply their skills in design thinking and user research to projects and capstones in their major. They will present their posters at the Global Engagement Conference on May 20, 2026.