Story

2017

Our Origins


Dan Schwartz, now UConn's Vice Provost for Academic Operations (and our biggest supporter!) formed Squared Labs, an all-star team of developers, designers, and communications students to work on high- value institutional projects.

2019

Born in the DX Lab


The UConn DMD DX Lab (Digital Experience Lab) forms as a special topics/independent study course in UConn's Digital Media & Design department. The DX Lab was a research lab and undergraduate experiential learning offering which explored experimental, next-generation, and unique applications for interactive media design.

2020

The DX Group Emerges...


DX Lab moves into COR²E and becomes the DX Group, one of the only core facilities in the country to offer app development and design services for faculty research. Squared Labs moved to fall under the DXG

2024

i3 is Born


Internal Insights & Innovation (i3) launches as a strategic development team under the Vice Provost for Academic Operations (hey, remember him?!). Built on the foundation of DXG and Squared Labs, i3 extends its mission beyond research support—partnering with administrative and academic units to design and build custom tools that improve how the university works.

2025

A Strategic Merger


i3 merges with Greenhouse Studios, an interdisciplinary unit driving innovative and collaborative scholarly practice. By introducing the competencies of the Greenhouse Studios team, i3 now expands its mission to include the integration of design thinking and human-centric approaches to innovations across and beyond the university.

Our Approach

Create value early. Iterate quickly.

That's the goal. There's no single path to get there, but here's how we like to work:

Start small. Learn fast. Build what matters.

We usually begin with something simple—a rough draft, a working prototype, a first version you can click. Then we test, refine, and build from there. It's not about cutting corners. It's about getting feedback sooner, staying flexible, and keeping the momentum.

You'll see results early. We know every project is different, and we don't pretend this approach is perfect. But it's how we think about progress: iterative, collaborative, and grounded in what actually works.

In The News

Image for Scorecard for Safer Play: Athletic Field Assessment Form Updated for Mobile Use

Scorecard for Safer Play: Athletic Field Assessment Form Updated for Mobile Use

UConn Today • 06/23/2025

Image for Strengthening Connecticut Farms with Risk Management Training and Tools

Strengthening Connecticut Farms with Risk Management Training and Tools

UConn Today • 04/01/2025

Image for New UConn Extension Publication Website Shares Answers Connecticut Residents Can Trust

New UConn Extension Publication Website Shares Answers Connecticut Residents Can Trust

UConn Today • 04/19/2024

Image for New Game Makes Financial Education Fun

New Game Makes Financial Education Fun

UConn Today • 04/26/2023

Image for App Supporting Archival Research Continues Development with Community Partnerships

App Supporting Archival Research Continues Development with Community Partnerships

UConn Today • 02/15/2022

Image for Pilot testing an intervention to educate and promote nutritious choices at food pantries

Pilot testing an intervention to educate and promote nutritious choices at food pantries

Journal of Public Health • 05/25/2021

Image for UConn Funds Five COVID-19 Research Projects, Announces Additional Funding

UConn Funds Five COVID-19 Research Projects, Announces Additional Funding

UConn Today • 10/02/2020

Image for Research Spotlight: Pushing the boundaries of digital media with UConn's DX Lab

Research Spotlight: Pushing the boundaries of digital media with UConn's DX Lab

The Daily Campus • 04/20/2020

Image for Website Breaks Down Statewide Benefit of UConn Research Funding

Website Breaks Down Statewide Benefit of UConn Research Funding

UConn Today • 10/02/2017