Student-led redesign of Carnegie Mellon University’s David and Susan Coulter Welcome Center

Spatial Environment Design
Interaction Design
Signage and Wayfinding

Timeline: Ten Weeks

In collaboration with: Felix Cooper and Helen Zhang, advised by Haeyoung Kim and Daphne Peters

As the origin point for all Carnegie Mellon campus tours, the David and Susan Coulter Welcome Center is the first impression of the university for many prospective students and their families.

Through research and workshops, we found the space afforded much more effective opportunities for prospective and current student engagement and fostering general feelings of welcoming. This project enabled us to merge diverse expertise in environmental graphic design, interaction design, service design, industrial design, and architecture to strategically improve aspects of the campus experience and to develop principles of belonging and storytelling which can be applied across many areas and programs at CMU.

Prospective students are invited to ponder how they might “make their mark” at CMU.

Activity Pads

The notepads offer content in three categories: information, exploration, and entertainment.

Motion graphics correspond with certain pad designs to bring the pads to life

Wall dedicated to showcasing an integral part of CMU culture

The Random Fence Generator allows visitors to explore and learn about this CMU tradition, including how it serves as a place for student expression. It also offers a way for them to discover clubs, Greek life, and different classes available.

The display case allows visitors to discover CMU student work and how maker facilities support their work.  The QR code on the poster links to a website with more information about the projects and campus maker facilities.

Visitors can discover life outside academics by spinning triangles and seeing the names of student clubs and organization.

From brainstorming and ideation to iteration and fabrication, our team had fun and learned so much every step of the way.

(From left to right) Haeyoung Kim, Daphne Peters, Felix Cooper, Helen Zhang, Hannah Lesser (me!)