2025 Applications are now OPEN - Application Deadline March 31st
Over 8 intensive weeks, multidisciplinary teams will innovate inclusive footwear kits and packaging through transformative co-design with Disabled Expert Fellows with accessibility at the forefront. Become empowered as thought-leaders in the design space with Open Style Lab, equipped with tools for design thinking, storytelling, and innovative technology to create lasting, scalable impact!
What to Expect:
- Collaborative Innovation: Work in multidisciplinary teams to co-design accessible footwear kits and packaging, designing with people with disabilities at every part of the process.
- Empowerment & Learning: Gain hands-on experience in design thinking, storytelling, and innovative technology, positioning you as a thought leader in the design space.
- Proven Impact: Previous program outcomes have been featured at New York Fashion Week and showcased at esteemed institutions such as the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in NYC, Museum für Gestaltung Zürich in Zurich and the upcoming Victoria and Albert Museum in London June 2025.
Calling for:
- Disabled Expert Fellows (Individuals with lived experience of disability)
- Physical Designers (Packaging, Product, Industrial, Architecture, Fashion, etc.)
- Graphic Designers (Skills in packaging and prototyping)
- Occupational Therapists / Physical Therapists
- Industrial or Product Engineer
Date:
- June - August, 2025
- Preprogram Meeting (End of May)
- 8 Weeks of Programming
- 1 Final Exhibition
Commitments:
First 2 weeks (Fully Virtual)
* (Third and fourth week of June starting 6/16)
* Three weeknight virtual calls (2 hrs each)
* Virtual Saturday calls (3 hrs)
6 weeks (Hybrid) July 7-August 16:
* Saturdays: Full day programs 9:30-5pm
* Day of your teams choosing: Full lab days for 4 weeks from 7/13-8/3
* Three weeknight virtual calls (2 hrs each)
* Final exhibition 8/16 (TBD)
* Independent project work throughout the week.
If you are interested in joining our 2025 fellowship cohort please apply below. If you have any questions please email us at summer@openstylelab.org.
Fellow Testimonials
“The OSL Summer Program was an expansive and revitalizing period in my life, as it stretched me to think outside the boundaries of traditional paradigms, and spurred me to cultivate my inner creator.”
Christine Oak, 2024 Alumni
“This summer co-design experience has made me realize that I can directly advocate and create equity for myself and others, skyrocketed by skills personally obtained from this program.”
Levi Waterhouse, 2024 Alumni
About the Program
Teams are given resources to carry out work with people with disabilities to co-fabricate and prototype ideas.
Fellows will also be given a wide range of resources, including educational material and lectures from prominent figures in the disabled community and the design world. Topics will range from disability history and past OSL examples to inclusive design principles.
By the end of the program, each team will share design projects and receive feedback from prominent guest lecturers, mentors and judges from academia and different industries during a final showcase to the public. See our 2020 showcase collaboration with MDA HERE
Who is eligible to apply?
Requirements
* Open Style Lab is seeking applications from members of the disability and non-disabled community a.k.a experts, physical designers, graphic designers, occupational therapists and engineer fellows interested in participating in our eighth summer program.
* All fellows must have at least 1 year of work experience in their field. Physical and Graphic Design Fellows will be asked to share a portfolio with a CV.
* Open to US Citizens / W9 Required.
* Must be a New York resident or able to readily commute to New York.
* Applications for every fellow category must be submitted by March 14, 2025.
* Open Style Lab is seeking applications from members of the disability and non-disabled community a.k.a experts, physical designers, graphic designers, occupational therapists and engineer fellows interested in participating in our eighth summer program.
* All fellows must have at least 1 year of work experience in their field. Physical and Graphic Design Fellows will be asked to share a portfolio with a CV.
* Open to US Citizens / W9 Required.
* Must be a New York resident or able to readily commute to New York.
* Applications for every fellow category must be submitted by March 14, 2025.
What is the summer commitment?
June - August, 2025
* Preprogram Meeting (End of May)
* 8 Weeks of Programming
* 1 Final Exhibition
Expectations:
* Saturday full day program
* +1 full Day of your teams choosing
* Three 2 hour weeknight virtual calls
* Independent intensive developments throughout the week
What is the research and work like?
Accepted fellows will immerse themselves in a hands-on environment, collaborating closely across multidisciplines to drive meaningful impact with the disability community to innovate solutions with function, style, and scalability as crucibles for design. Fellows will also have the opportunity to collaborate internationally with OSL UK to ideate and crosspollinate for a global perspective.
Where does the program take place?
Brooklyn, New York City
Is there a stipend?
All accepted fellows will be offered a stipend for material costs of $1500 per team. If you require need-based financial support to go towards travel, accommodation, and food, please apply through the corresponding question in the form.
*Fellows will be advised to create delegation plans with their teams on shared expenses.