Africa Design

We want to build a network of design researchers, educators, and practitioners based in African countries and beyond, with particular emphasis on design for sustainable development.

About this Initiative

About

Africa Design is a Design Society initiative to build a network of design researchers, educators, and practitioners based in African countries and beyond, with particular emphasis on design for sustainable development; and to link them with colleagues in the worldwide design community. The initiative builds on the mutual learning opportunities in the challenges that we all share.

Core Aims & Objectives

Build a network of design researchers, educators, and practitioners based in Africa and beyond.
Work with Africa-related design projects for sustainable development.
Engage in research, education and innovation.
Create collaborative opportunities for action-oriented knowledge sharing and networking.
Promote equitable use of sustainable and inclusive design tools to support the UN SDGs.
Build on our mutual learning in facing the challenges that we all share.

How can members get involved?

You can become a member by contacting any member of the steering team or emailing us at: africadesignsociety@gmail.com
Conducting Joint activities
Attend meetings, webinars, and conferences
Taking on leadership roles (i.e. volunteering in events, committees etc.)
Connect with members on social media: AFRICA-DESIGN LinkedIn Group

Visit Initiative Visit LinkedIn

Our Team

Niharika Dayaneni

KTH
Sweden

Julia Hede Mortensen

KTH
Sweden

Susanne Nilsson

Integrated product development and design
Sweden

Margareta Norell Bergendahl

Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
Sweden

As Professor of Integrated Product Development at KTH, Margareta Norell Bergendahl's contribution to Design Science, both in Scandinavia and...

Panos Papalambros

Univ. of Michigan
United States

Panos Y Papalambros, PhD, PE, is the James B. Angell Distinguished University Professor Emeritus, the Donald C. Graham Professor Emeritus of...

Pauline Rajski

Optimal Design Lab
United States

Bernard Shibwabo

Strathmore University
Kenya

Dunja Stevanovic

Botho University
Botswana

Michelle Wanyang

Africa Design
Kenya

Latest News & Events

Other Chapters & Initiatives

Asia Chapter

Nordic Chapter

North American Chapter

What can Chapters and Initiatives do for You?

Chapters and Regional Engagement

The Design Society’s global reach is strengthened by its regional Chapters, which serve as local hubs for engagement, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. These Chapters bring together members within specific geographic areas to foster a sense of community and address region-specific design challenges and opportunities. Active Chapters currently operate in Asia, North America, each organising events, workshops, and networking opportunities tailored to local contexts.

World Initiatives that Drive Impact

The Society supports a range of initiatives aimed at advancing design research, education, and practice globally. These include doctoral summer schools, collaborative research programs, mentoring schemes, and outreach efforts that connect academia with industry. Many of these initiatives are driven by our members and aligned with the Society’s mission to promote inclusive, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking design work.

Member-Led and Mission-Driven

DS in the World is powered by the passion and expertise of our members. Whether it’s launching a new educational program, leading a Chapter, or developing tools for the design community, these activities reflect the Society’s commitment to shaping the future of design. We invite all members to contribute and actively participate in building a stronger, more connected design network worldwide.