d-school: Could you tell us about your academic background and what initially drew you to your field of study?

 Saarrah: My name is Saarrah, and I recently graduated from UCT, having grown up on the Cape Flats. I completed the Foundation Programme in Design Thinking at Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika in the second semester of 2023, which also coincided with the final semester of my undergraduate degree. It was a beautiful combination of closing one chapter while embarking on another.

My first formal introduction to design thinking occurred in 2016 through a programme called Code4CT, a South African non-profit that empowers young women through technology education. While this was a significant moment, I’ve come to see design thinking as more of a return to innate human wisdom. Within the context of the Global South, we’ve always emphasised community and collaboration—core principles of design thinking. So, it felt less like something new and more like rediscovering a way of thinking that had always been there.

d-school: What did you study, and why did you choose that field?

 Saarrah:I studied Social Development and Sociology because I’ve always been fascinated by people and how they interact with the world. I also knew from an early age that I wanted to contribute meaningfully during my time on this Earth.

I’d describe my journey to the social sciences as anything but linear. Growing up, I loved to question everything, which often frustrated my parents! I’ve always needed to understand the 'why' behind rules and actions—something that shaped my curiosity. Despite being told I had potential, I became increasingly disillusioned by how society values people based on numbers—whether it’s report cards, salary slips, or social security status. To me, talent and success are often linked to privilege and resources.

Throughout school, my interests fluctuated—ranging from dressmaking in primary school to law or agriculture in high school. I was deeply drawn to the intersection of food security and climate change, but when my application to study Agronomy at Stellenbosch University was rejected, I felt like my so-called 'villain era' began. Yet, through adversity, I learned to adapt, which eventually led me to social sciences.

d-school: What were your earlier aspirations before you decided on university?

 Saarrah: It’s funny, I always admired people who seemed to know their ‘thing’. During my matric year, our school was insistent that we apply for at least two courses at each key university. I remember leaving most of my applications blank—I found it strange that a 17-year-old should know what they want to do for the rest of their life.

Although I loved reading and writing, the school’s emphasis on STEM overshadowed my natural inclinations. I applied to business and science courses at UCT and environmental science at UWC, but I wasn’t passionate about any of them. After being rejected by UCT three times, I decided to take a gap year—something almost unheard of in a coloured household.

That gap year turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I enrolled in an Islamic institute, which allowed me to reconnect with my faith. By the time I reapplied to UCT, I knew that a degree in social sciences was far more aligned with my personality and interests. I eventually graduated in March 2024.

d-school: Did you have any concerns before starting the Foundation Programme at d-school Afrika?

 Saarrah: Absolutely. One of my biggest fears was my tendency to be heart-led, which made me unpredictable at times. I struggled with consistency and was often compared to my siblings, who pursued more 'traditional' fields like engineering and environmental science.

As someone who is emotionally driven, I sometimes questioned whether I could follow through with something like the Foundation Programme. I was scared that it would be just another thing I’d try and then lose interest in. But I dislike how society discourages experimentation—it’s how you find what truly makes you come alive. How will you know if you don’t try?

d-school: How did the Foundation Programme help you overcome these concerns?*

 Saarrah: The programme gave me something invaluable—creative confidence. For the first time, I felt free to explore without the constraints of traditional learning environments. I’m not someone who thrives in lecture halls with monotonous PowerPoint presentations. At d-school, my creative tendencies—like doodling—weren’t dismissed. Instead, they were embraced as ways to express my ideas.

The experience allowed me to see the beauty in being a work in progress. It reignited a part of me that had been lost along the way.

d-school: How did you initially experience the programme?

 Saarrah: From the moment I stepped into d-school, I felt at home. I’ve always been someone who trusts their instincts, and being at d-school just felt right. It’s a place for the curious, the dreamers, and the doers, and I felt like I’d finally found where I belonged.

D-school gave me hope for the future. In an education system that often fails to accommodate different ways of thinking, this programme offered a refreshing shift in perspective. It reaffirmed my belief that a simple change in how we frame a problem can lead to incredible outcomes.

d-school: Where are you now in your career journey?

 Saarrah:I’ve just started an internship at Wesgro, the Trade, Tourism, and Investment Promotion Agency for the Western Cape. I work as the trade intern for the Europe/UK & Americas Desk. It’s a field I never imagined myself in, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it. D-school helped me realise that success in the workplace is less about your academic background and more about the transferable skills you bring to the table.

d-school: What role did design thinking play in getting you to this point?

 Saarrah: Design thinking instilled in me a sense of creative confidence and the courage to try new things. I didn’t meet all the requirements for the internship, but d-school taught me to trust in my capabilities. That mindset gave me the edge I needed to secure the role, despite not having the conventional qualifications.

d-school: How has design thinking shaped your life?

 Saarrah: I feel more joyful and a lot less burdened by societal expectations. Growing up, I was always told I had potential but that my attitude might be holding me back. Now, I realise that I just didn’t have the right tools to channel my creativity effectively. Design thinking has re-ignited that creative spark.

d-school: How are you applying design thinking in your professional life? 

Saarrah: I approach my work with empathy and a bias towards action. Moving from the d-school’s environment back to the conventional world of work has been an adjustment, but I see immense potential for design thinking to transform organisations.

d-school: What advice do you have for students considering design thinking?

 Saarrah: Pursuing design thinking is one of the best decisions you can make. It equips you with essential tools to navigate both personal and professional challenges. In a world where degrees are becoming common, knowing how to hone your craft and establish your personal brand is invaluable. Design thinking will soon be a necessity, given the global challenges we face.

The Foundation Programme in Design Thinking at the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika is a gateway to mastering the art of innovation and creativity. Students on the programme are immersed in a learning experience which helps them gain essential skills and mindsets to navigate the complexities of today’s world. In addition, the programme also fosters and builds the confidence needed to tackle real-world challenges with empathy and a human-centred approach. This programme is a launchpad for students’ creative potential, equipping them to make a meaningful impact in any field they choose to pursue.