Design Without Borders Africa

Founded in 2001, DwB Africa applies user-centered design practices to address complex challenges faced by organisations, businesses and communities in low and middle-income countries. DwB contributes in the development of new products, systems and solutions within the business environment, urban development and development/aid projects in developing countries. DwB’s design philosophy is based on participatory processes and strong user involvement. DwB operates within several design disciplines, with the core in the field of industrial, product and service design. Why design? Designers have the specialized training and skill-sets to help deal with complex challenges. In collaboration with people and local stakeholders, our designers help create solutions that are useful and appropriate in the context and ecosystem they are to be a part of. From our experience working with partners ranging from community based organisations, local government and private sector to NGOs and multilateral organisations, we can testify that human-centred design methods are gaining momentum as an effective catalyst for social change and economic development. We provide (1) Development of products & services to- Increase business value for local companies - Improve livelihoods of people in developing economies - Better meet the needs of people in need of humanitarian relief (2) Design advisory services within - Need assessment and pre-procurement advice for acquiring humanitarian and development goods and services - Identification and analysis of end user and stakeholder needs and context We work with - Local and international NGOs - Local businesses in developing countries - Local and international suppliers to the humanitarian and development sectors