Ball State University

The Center for Media Design (CMD) at Ball State University is a research and development facility focused on the creation, testing, and practical application of digital technologies for business, classroom, home, and community. These efforts are accomplished through the Digital Exchange Initiative funded by a $20 million Lilly Endowment Award.

 Not connected to a single college, the CMD operates outside of typical university constraints, quickly creating cross-disciplinary teams and working with industry on digital media research and development. CMD is a place where forward-thinking students and faculty can collaborate with leaders in industry and government to share insights and solve problems in the digital media realm.

We pursue innovation education, robust research and statewide economic development in five distinct but related areas: 1) media behavior research, 2) digital fabrication, 3) digital media arts, 4) digital education and entertainment, and 5) digital media training and application development.

CMD’s success has directly contributed to Ball State’s Emerging Media Initiative, a $17.7 million investment in emerging media research, development, and commercialization.

CMD was established in 2003 through a $20 million Lilly Endowment grant and received an additional $20 million in 2005 for the Digital Exchange Initiative.