A journal to articulate and catalogue Afrika's unique design context, promote diverse logics of enquiry and research methodologies.
Why this journal?
Context and insight
Afrika requires a platform to both articulate and catalogue from within its unique design context. This is important from a design perspective, as what is considered normal in Afrika may be viewed as atypical elsewhere. This phenomenon requires considered and novel research methodologies to catalogue local knowledge.
Researching such complexity is of benefit to Afrika, as it showcases the rich history of design on the continent, and the level of innovation that already exists. This journal explicitly looks to encourage research from designers, design researchers, and practitioners located on the continent.
How is it different?
Content and approach
The focus on Afrikan design distinguishes the journal from international equivalents. The discipline of design is under-researched on the continent, positioned as a subset of neighbouring disciplines, or too focused on larger economies such as South Africa.
The journal aims to promote an empirical, abductive logic of enquiry, with supporting methodologies. In doing so, it will help investigate and document complexity, find unforeseen insights, and innovations.
Who is the working team?
Active researchers and designers
The working team are qualified in design and practice it, be this in universities or industry. They are based throughout Afrika, understand the opportunities across the continent, and that each country and culture is unique.
Prof. Mugendi Kanampiu M'RITHAA
Nairobi / Kenya
Mugendi is an international design academic based at Machakos University in Kenya. He brings experience and knowledge on Afrikan systems and networks.
Dr. Keneilwe Munyai
Cape Town / South Africa
Keneilwe is design researcher with expertise on design thinking, with a particular focus on African models, helps uncover key and unforeseen insights
Dr. Byron Alexander Qually
Cape Town / South Africa
Byron is a researcher and designer working with global companies and organisations in areas such as new product development, socio-technical systems, and abductive research.
Who is the editorial team?
Active researchers and designers
Similar to the working team, the journal's editors will be qualified in design and based throughout Afrika. At this stage of the journal's development the editorial structure, process, and team is still be investigated.