FAQ

Wait - am I at the right Siebel Center?

That depends! The Thomas M. Siebel Center for Computer Science is on the north end of campus at 201 N. Goodwin Avenue in Urbana. Siebel Center for Design (that's us!) is at 1208 S. 4th Street in Champaign. Even if you unintentionally end up here at Siebel Center for Design, we're happy you found us, and invite you to come back whenever you like.

What's Siebel Center for Design?

Siebel Center for Design is the only design center of its kind in the country. We practice, model, and teach design thinking and human-centered design in collaboration with all disciplines, majors, and departments at UIUC, as well as our community-at-large. SCD was made possible in part by a donation from the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation.

OK, so what’s design thinking? What’s human-centered design?

Human-centered design (HCD) is a problem-solving approach that uses design thinking to identify the unmet needs of a population in order to collaboratively and iteratively develop solutions. We believe that HCD is a flexible approach that allows anyone to solve problems in creative and innovative ways, using processes such as empathizing with people, brainstorming ideas, and prototyping solutions. 

I’m a ______ major. Is this building and everything inside for all students, or is it just for specific majors, like engineering or graphic design?

SCD is for everyone - students, faculty, staff, and community members - who’s interested in multidisciplinary collaboration, and learning more about design thinking and human-centered design. 

Does SCD offer classes?

Yes! Check out our spring 2022 course offerings here. We’re also hosting many other classes, representing disciplines from advertising to Spanish, and lots in between.

We’ve heard there are AMAZING makerspaces at SCD. What kind of equipment is available?

You’ve heard correctly! The Shop’s broad range of fabrication equipment is now available to all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of major or discipline. Sewing machines, 3D printers, laser engravers, a water jet cutter, a CNC router, saws and sanders, media production equipment, and more are available for use - we're always updating this page with more info.  

What are your hours?

Our main doors are open every day from 7AM to midnight, with exceptions made for university holidays. Hours for certain rooms in the building vary - please check here for more information.

Will there be food and drink available?

Vending machines ARE NOW AVAILABLE on our lower level if you need a quick snack. We hope to have more news soon regarding our kitchen and café space.  

I’d love to join SCD’s team. Are you hiring? 

We love that you’re interested! All current job openings at SCD are listed here. 

Is SCD open to the C-U community? 

Members of the C-U community are 1000% welcome to explore SCD, inside and out. We’ll have more information soon about how members of the community can engage further with SCD, including using equipment in the Shop, attending events and workshops, and much more.

How can faculty/instructors get involved? 

We encourage faculty and instructors to come in, take a look around, bring students in for study sessions or projects, and more. We’re also regularly offering professional development opportunities for those who teach. Get in touch with us with questions! 

I’m planning an event. How can I reserve space in this amazing facility? 

More information, and a link to reserve space for your event at SCD, can be found here.