Training the next generation of African designers and entrepreneurs.
Client:
ACT in AFRICA
Sector:
Non-Profit
Entrepreneurship
Category:
Facilitation and capacity building
The Challenge
My client, an international development organization based in Harare, wanted to train a pool of young Zimbabweans in design-driven innovation methods. The goal was to create the capacity to support the design activities of its Business Growth Program for startups; while generating new job opportunities for Zimbabweans.
I was brought on board to co-lead, together with another strategic designer, the design and delivery of the train-the-trainer program and solo-lead the delivery of the design boot camps planned as part of their startup program.
The Approach
To effectively deliver on goals, we anchored our approach around two main principles: embrace the local context, and practice makes perfect. Guided by these principles, we ensured we took time to understand our audience and culture and embedded regular client feedback throughout the project. Simultaneously, we centered our design work on creating an experience based on the “see one, do one, lead one” educational approach.
From conceptualization to delivery, the project’s activities included:
Curriculum design for the 3 weeks in-person training program (incl. flow, presentations, worksheets, workshop dynamics, facilitation guides, etc.);
Facilitation of training program for 13 participants. This included the guided delivery of both a pre-defined, and client-led challenge (“see one, do one”);
Delivery of design masterclasses of the startup program, and coaching of new trainees as they supported entrepreneurs in the process (“lead one”).
"The training led by Olga and Alex was very detailed and thoughtfully prepared. We were able to understand and practice HCD using the local context of Zimbabwe. Practicing HCD with a corporate client gave me the confidence to work with an entrepreneur during the Business Growth Program. I have since grown as an HCD professional working in multiple regions across Africa and remotely supporting teams in Asia and South America."
— Participant, Training Program
The Outcomes
The project enabled our client to effectively train 13 new designers, employ 9 of them throughout the Business Growth Program, and hire 3 as FTEs. As part of the program, participants also supported 3 corporations and 8 entrepreneurs with their challenges.
This work laid the foundation for the setup and launch of two new offerings for my client: a human-centered design program complimentary to the business growth program, and an advisory service for large organizations based on design-driven innovation methods.