Key Takeaways from UMA's Inaugural 2019 Design Jam: Cincinnati

In February 2019, the Urban Manufacturing Alliance partnered with Chicago-based industrial designer Emily Taylor, to host our first-ever Design Jam event in the historic manufacturing city of Cincinnati. Cincinnati is an epicenter of design and manufacturing activity. The University of Cincinnati has one of the most celebrated design programs in the nation, and major manufacturers like Procter & Gamble have called the city home since the 1800s.

Around 50 professional and student industrial designers, makers, entrepreneurs, and the people and organizations that support them came together to collaborate with manufacturers in responding to design challenges. Held at the Union Hall entrepreneur workspace in the city’s historic Over-the-Rhine district, Cincinnati Design Jam was limited to one evening, but participants say impact from the event is still resonating today. It catalyzed connections between design and manufacturing experts and beginners that have bloomed into meaningful partnerships.