Digital Commons

Welcome to the Digital Commons - a new creative makerspace in the Information Commons offering 3D printing, Digital Stitchcraft, XR technologies, introductory coding, critical AI literacy and more. Opening in October 2024.

Staff and students sitting in The Digital Commons
On

What is the Digital Commons?

A staff member using a digital stitchcraft machine

The Digital Commons is a new digital creative makerspace opening from October 2024.

The Digital Commons will enable you to come and explore your creativity, and give you opportunities to create physical and digital objects, whether these are for your studies, research, or recreation. 

We firmly believe that being able to participate in creative activities enables us all to develop new skills in problem solving, digital literacy, collaboration, and enables us to see new perspectives on our studies and recreational activities alike.

Who can use it?

The Digital Commons is open to all students.

We are aiming to create an inclusive community where you can come and learn from each other, whatever your interests or areas of study.

Where is it?

The Digital Commons is in the heart of the campus, located on the first floor of the Information Commons.

What is on offer?

We will be offering drop in sessions and workshops on a wide range of creative technologies, including:

  • 3D Printing 
  • XR technologies - including Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality
  • Stitchcraft  - sewing and embroidery
  • Generative AI 
  • Digital Cutting
  • Coding
A student using WondaVR

What is in the Digital Commons and what can I access?

The Digital Commons currently has:

3D Printers
  • Two Snapmaker A350T 3D printers
3D Printing Room
Sewing equipment
  • Four Brother digital sewing machines, two of which can be used for embroidery
Digital Stitchcraft Machines
XR Equipment
  • Three Meta Quest 3 headsets and 2 Meta Quest 2 headsets with a range of apps and software titles
A staff member using Open Brush on a Meta Quest 2
Digital cutting and crafting
  • Cricut cutting machine for producing a range of objects eg vinyl stickers, decorative cards
A Cricut machine in The Digital Commons
  • Badgemaker
A student using the a badge maker in The Digital Commons

How to access our activities

We advertise our activities via the calendar below. 

Some of our sessions will be drop in sessions, but others will require you to book and reserve a space - please check the specific details for the events you wish to attend.

View full calendar of workshops and events in the Information Commons

Help and advice

We have colleagues with a wide range of experience and expertise in Generative AI literacy, XR technologies, 3D printing, stitchcraft and coding.

Ask a question

Email: library@sheffield.ac.uk

Phone: +44 114 222 7200