DCC-Design Competence Center​

The Department's Laboratory System represents the largest international center of technological infrastructure to support research and teaching in the field of design. It consists of four instrumental laboratories occupying a total area of more than 6,000 square meters, providing equipment and expertise to support research, design and prototyping activities in the various fields of design.

Constantly expanding and updating, the Laboratories provide a vital link between research and education. Through advanced equipment and instruments, they allow supporting experimental activities in teaching. Thanks to specialized technical staff and in collaboration with faculty and researchers, they also support experimental research conducted in the Department and offer external partners technical services for the design, prototyping and testing of new products, solutions and systems. The Design Labs facilities are enriched by a free-access area, lower ground floor B2 building, where practical activities and collaborative design projects can be carried out independently.

DCC Immagine

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A professional television set features a man with glasses in a dark jacket, positioned in front of a bright blue backdrop inside a recording studio. The environment is equipped with LED light panels mounted on stands and reflectors strategically placed to illuminate the subject, while in the foreground, the dark silhouettes of the crew and a camera mounted on a tripod framing the scene are visible. On the left, a heavy dark curtain blocks out external light, while on the right, next to the set, a chair and technical equipment can be seen, highlighting the complex preparation behind a video production.

DCC Moda

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A small wooden and black fabric dress form dominates the foreground, with a piece of dark cloth elegantly draped over its shoulders. In the blurred background, several students are focused on manual work around large wooden tables in a bright fashion laboratory. The workspace is dotted with tools of the trade, including white paper patterns, rollers, and blue folders, creating an atmosphere of intense creative activity and craftsmanship.

DCC Prototipi e Allestimenti

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A specialized operator, wearing a blue apron with the words "STAFF DESIGN X DESIGNER," is focused on using a precision drill press inside a mechanical workshop. The man, protected by safety glasses and work gloves, fixes his gaze on the piece of wood he is drilling, while a small group of students closely observes the technical demonstration. The setting is spacious and well-lit by rows of LED lights on the industrial ceiling, with shelving and woodworking materials visible in the background, giving the space a laboratory and educational feel.

DCC Pilot

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Access to the Design Competence Centre

Access to the Design Competence Center laboratories is subject to the successful completion of the Specific Safety Training Course.

For newly enrolled students, the training programme consists of three parts:

  • Design Laboratories Training - Part 1 - Online Video Conference (VCS): an online course covering safe working practices in the DCC Immagine, DCC Moda, DCC Pilot e DCC Prototipi e Allestimenti laboratories. The course is available by reservation through the personal page on the Politecnico di Milano website, following the path: Online Services > Design Competence Center.
  • Design Laboratories Training - Part 2 - On Campus (FSP):
    A practical, hands-on course on safe working practices within the Design Competence Center laboratories and the use of their technologies. The course is available by reservation through the personal page on the Politecnico di Milano website, following the path: Online Services > Design Competence Center. A minimum attendance of 80% of Part 1 - VCS is required
  • Design Laboratories Training - Part 3 - Final Assessment (in person)
    A final assessment consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in person at the end of Part 2 using a personal device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone) and by logging in with your Politecnico di Milano credentials. Access requirements include full attendance (100%) of Part 2 - FSP. The assessment is passed with a minimum score of 70% of correct answers.

Those who have already completed a previous version of the training may continue to access the laboratories for which they are already qualified. An additional training session will be required to access the DCC Pilot laboratory.

Further information and details about the training programme will be provided by email to the students concerned.

For questions or further information, please contact: accessolabb-design@polimi.it