| CDI is a multi-campus research center within the state-wide University of North Carolina system. Our goal is to catalyze economic transformation of the Piedmont Triad region, through design-focused activity based on advanced digital technologies. Currently CDI's constituent schools are the UNC School of the Arts and Winston-Salem State University, collaborating with Forsyth Technical Community College. Funding is in place and plans are underway to create a 33,000-square-foot permanent facility. Meanwhile CDI is operating from an interim facility in downtown Winston-Salem. Our high-rise site overlooks the emerging Piedmont Triad Research Park. The staff and collaborators are assembling technologies to support health care and wellbeing through the design of products and services, and to serve education and entertainment through digital creations such as animations, games, simulations, courseware and mobile applications. Projects related to CDI's key capabilities in motion capture and rapid prototyping are underway. Collaborators are also developing related techniques in data analysis, visualization and modeling. Much of CDI's work goes beyond using existing knowledge and technologies: our mission is to conduct research in order to generate new ideas, techniques and educational content. CDI collaborators range internationally as we contribute to relevant research areas. We aim to develop research results as entrepreneurial ventures and marketable innovations. We also work to support existing businesses and attract new ones to the region. Design services related to the development of online media and real-world devices are available. A growing number of workshops and other enrichment programs offer learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, throughout our community. These programs tend to focus on a "sweet spot" bringing together topics that are normally considered "artistic" or "scientific." By supporting engagement with digital media that combine these aspects of thinking and productivity, CDI aims to strengthen both "soft skills" and "STEM" skills (in science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The combined strengths will gird our region's creative potentials well into the future.
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