What You'll Gain
Open Learning
Workshops, office hours, studio events, and digital resources are open to current Penn students.
Advanced Production
Studio reservations are currently available to eligible VIP-X ventures and require onboarding or training.
Cost
DDS programming and resources are free; misuse or equipment damage may result in fees.
From an idea people hear to a venture people understand
Strong ventures need more than a logo or a single piece of content. They need a clear reason to matter, a consistent way to communicate, and the ability to create materials that move customers, collaborators, and supporters to action.
Build practical skills in brand strategy, storytelling, content, design, and marketing through open workshops and events.
Bring a real venture question to office hours and leave with focused feedback, sharper priorities, and a defined next step.
Create
Plan and produce high-quality photos, video, audio, and other creative assets when your program and project are ready for advanced execution
Get Started
Learn practical approaches to brand clarity, customer positioning, content planning, visual communication, and creative production. Open to current Penn students.
Get focused feedback on a real brand, design, content, or marketing challenge. Open to current Penn students.
Studio Reservations
Plan and produce professional-quality photos, video, and audio with access to cameras, lighting, microphones, and editing tools.
Currently limited to eligible ventures.
Currently limited to eligible ventures.
Digital Resources
Use worksheets, templates, checklists, and recorded learning to move from strategy to execution at your own pace.
Get Involved
Contribute as a designer, marketer, storyteller, alumni expert, or creative mentor and help Penn ventures communicate and grow.
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
Digital Design Studio x VLAB
Product/Experience Testing
DDS helps founders developing physical products and goods communicate what they are testing through:
- product storytelling
- visual presentation
- customer-facing content
- clearer pathways from concept to market.
Early Venture Development
DDS helps founders build the communication foundation behind venture development:
- problem framing
- audience definition
- positioning
- narrative
- early content priorities
Acceleration
DDS helps advanced teams translate strategy and traction into stronger market-facing execution through:
- targeted advising
- production planning
- eligible studio access.
Past Projects
Upcoming Workshops, Events, and Openings
FAQ
What is the Digital Design Studio?
The Digital Design Studio is Venture Lab's brand, marketing, design, and multimedia learning hub for current Penn students engaged in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Who can participate?
Current Penn students may participate in open workshops, office hours, studio events, and digital resources. Studio reservations are currently limited to eligible ventures.
Do I need design or marketing experience?
No. Open learning opportunities are designed for a range of experience levels. Individual event descriptions will identify any prerequisites.
Is DDS a free design agency?
No. DDS is an educational resource. The team provides instruction, feedback, tools, and structured production opportunities; students remain responsible for decisions and execution.
How should I prepare for office hours?
Complete the relevant DDS worksheet, identify one priority question, and bring any existing materials that provide context.
Is there a fee?
DDS programming and resources are free. Fees may apply when equipment is misused or damaged.
How do studio reservations work?
Eligible founders receive access instructions through their cohort onboarding. Reservations may require training and an approved production plan.
Visit and Access
Location
Tangen Hall, 115 South 40th Street, Philadelphia. Digital Design Studio: Room 404. Digital Media Lab: Room 422.
Studio Availability
DDS access is program- and appointment-based. Current hours, open sessions, and reservation availability vary by academic term.
Prepare For Your Visit
Review the specific opportunity or confirmation message for eligibility, training, equipment, and arrival instructions.
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