DESIGN POLICY CONFERENCE: an African perspective…

Mugendi K. M’Rithaa Cape Town: 17-18th October 2014

Interdependence

4

5

6

7

8

Leadership

12

Mutual Support

Creativity

Adaptability

Learn from the past

Ingenuity

NURU™ LIGHTING SYSTEM: TESTING

Sustainability

Quality

Conviviality

Beauty

50

Democracy

Transformation

58

Emancipation

•DESIGN & BUSINESS

•DESIGN & EDUCATION

•DESIGN & GOVERNANCE

•DESIGN & SOCIETY

62

Embracing an evolving view of design agency:

•CELEBRATION & ELABORATION: few design specific awards are offered across the continent – most focus on fashion and communication design. Craft should be seen as a logical extension of (and basis for) design discourse;

•COLLABORATION (not merely COMPETITION): mechanisms for regional exchange are limited – no binding resolutions exist to promote bi- and multi-lateral programming;

•DIFFERENTIATION & PARTICIPATION: different design disciplines collaborate across professional lines e.g. interior design with architecture; communication design with marketing, films and publishing; industrial design with product innovation, manufacturing and engineering; and service design with governance;

63

Challenges for Design Policy in Africa:

•EDUCATION & INCLUSION: didactic and pedagogic offerings differ significantly e.g. in industrial design;

•PROMOTION & CAPACITATION: few dedicated promotional institutions and organisations exist for purposes of developing and supporting the discipline;

•PROTECTION & REGULATION: designers are exploited in the course of their dealings; and

•RECOGNITION & TRANSFORMATION: the design profession is not fully recognised in many countries – few have a design strategies or policies in place. An expanded view of design should include the disciplines capacity for engaging with ‘wicked’ problems and other developmental challenges.

64

Challenges for Design Policy in Africa (cont’d):

Thank you…