At the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika at UCT, we believe in cultivating a design-led mindset to tackle contemporary challenges, identify opportunities, and craft innovative solutions. Our programme offerings empower students to think creatively and develop practical skills to thrive in today's complex world.

Through interactive sessions, you'll dive into the principles of design thinking, learning how to approach challenges with empathy and human-centred solutions. Students participating in Design Thinking Week work on real-world challenges provided and framed by a participating d-school project partner.

As the students learn and are exposed to the tools and processes of design thinking, they also apply these in coming up with solutions to the project partner’s identified challenges. 

The aim of this is to cultivate the core design thinking mindsets and allow students to take this forward into their learning journeys in their respective fields. 

In addition, you’ll gain hands-on experience working on real-world problems, developing your creative confidence and collaborative abilities in remote team settings using online tools.

This course will:

• Give you a deeper understanding of design thinking methodologies. 
• Expose you to human-centred design practices.
• Enhance your skills for the future world of work. 
• Introduce you to working in diverse teams.
• Build your creative confidence. 
• Teach you new digital learning and collaboration tools.

For the upcoming Semester 1 of the 2025 Foundation Programme in Design Thinking, we are excited to partner with the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre. This organization is dedicated to empowering young individuals while fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

Inkubeko is currently focused on developing a Science & Youth/Community Centre in Mfuleni, Cape Town, addressing essential needs and overcoming barriers faced by the local community. Their mission goes beyond mere education; they aim to create a safe and inclusive environment where youth can explore, learn, and shape their futures. Inkcubeko offers various programs, including interactive science activities, digital literacy training, career awareness workshops, and health education initiatives that promote both personal growth and community development.

Through this partnership, our students will have the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges by applying human-centered design principles. They will work collaboratively with the Inkcubeko team to develop meaningful and effective solutions tailored to the Mfuleni community's specific needs.

For further details about the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre and their valuable work, please visit their website at Inkubeko. This collaboration promises to be a transformative experience for both students and the community, highlighting the impact of design thinking in addressing societal issues.