one story stone building and wind turbine

Center for Design Research

Innovative research in smart technologies, consumer products and services

The Center for Design Research conducts advanced research that emphasizes the cross-disciplinary use of design as a problem solving tool. It is housed at the CDR complex which is located on KU’s west campus, and operates under the auspices of the School of Architecture & Design.

Led by director Professor Gregory Thomas, students enrolled in classes at the CDR have the opportunity to conceptualize and develop new consumer products and services using cutting-edge smart technologies in many subject areas. The majority of the projects done at the CDR are the result of partnerships with some of the world’s leading companies.

Explore the CDR

students look at robot on table

Project Spotlights

See some examples of projects done with industry sponsors at the CDR.
inside of CDR with car cut out for research

Industry Sponsors

The CDR is proud to collaborate with some of the world’s most innovative companies.
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About the CDR

See the history and impact of the Center for Design Research.

Latest News from the CDR

CDR Project for Homeless Veterans

For the 2023 spring term, the CDR class has offered to help Tunnels to Towers (T2T) https://t2t.org/ .

Q&A with Greg Thomas

Q&A with Greg Thomas, director of the Center for Design Research and professor of visual communication design

We're Back!

After a long absence, the CDR website is back and able to support the news of all the beautiful things done while we've been away. I want to thank Marissa Naggi (school designer), Dean Rashid, and Chair Hossler for the rebirth of our site.