Program · Prototype
iLab
An applied studio for civic infrastructure.
01Overview
iLab builds the tools where civic technology, media, and public infrastructure intersect — shipped fast, tested with partners, open where possible.
iLab is where research becomes something you can use. Small teams, short cycles, real deployment partners. Every prototype is scoped to answer a live question about how a system could work differently.
We prefer working software to reports about working software. Prototypes graduate, get handed off to civic operators, or get retired — never left to drift.
02Methodology
How this program works.
01
SIFT
Problem discovery embedded with civic operators.
02
SENSE
Rapid prototyping against sharp hypotheses.
03
MAKE
Shipping usable tools in weeks, not quarters.
04
ACT
Handoff to operators, or open-source graduation.
03Projects
Current work.
01
Ledger
Beta
Transparent record-keeping for civic coalitions.
02
Roomcast
Public
Structured deliberation tools for local government.
03
Fieldkit
Alpha
Investigator toolkit for open-source forensic work.
04Partners
Working with.
Civic Tech Alliance
North Star Media
05Resources