DESIGN JAM
Bridging the gap between design and local manufacturing
What is Design Jam?
Design Jams are interactive events that connect designers, manufacturers, and community members to tackle local challenges and explore new solutions using available production techniques. These events foster collaboration, generate new ideas, and strengthen local manufacturing ecosystems.
Green Hardware Design Jam: Building a Sustainable Design-Manufacturing Nexus
New York City, renowned for its innovation economy, is also a hub for manufacturing with over 70,000 workers producing a wide range of products. The Green Hardware Design Jam aims to bridge the gap between design innovation and local manufacturing.
While many innovations are developed in cities like New York, they often face challenges in scaling up production, with manufacturing frequently outsourced to distant locations. This disconnect can limit economic impact and hinder local job growth.
The Green Hardware Design Jam, organized by 3×3, SecondMuse, and Tomorrow Lab, addresses these challenges by fostering collaboration between designers and manufacturers. The event focuses on sustainability and aims to integrate local production processes with innovative design to enhance economic resilience and create new opportunities for scaling up technologies.
2022 NYC Green Industrial Design Jam
The NYC Green Industrial Design Jam (GIDJ), organized by Urbane and the Urban Manufacturing Alliance, connects manufacturers, sustainability experts, and designers to advance sustainable manufacturing. Sponsored by the Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Council, the event tackles challenges and explores opportunities to scale green practices in New York City.
The Importance of Local Manufacturing:
The Covid-19 crisis highlighted the need for local manufacturing. Rapid collaboration turned MIT's ventilator concept into 3,000 devices, showcasing the critical role of local production in addressing urgent needs and supporting economic development.
Building a Stronger Industrial Ecosystem:
The Green Industrial Design Jam aims to strengthen the local manufacturing sector by connecting designers and manufacturers, thereby supporting green technology and climate change adaptation. By fostering these connections, the event helps create new markets, scalable businesses, and resilient, equitable economic growth.