Since 2016, the d-school Afrika* has built close working relationships across UCT's faculties — Commerce, Education, Engineering and the Built Environment, Humanities, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Law, and Science — as well as with professionals and organisations well beyond the university.
Our professional programmes are designed for people who solve real problems, lead projects, design services, and drive change within their teams. Whether you're looking to build a practical design thinking capability or take your first step into the mindset, there's a way in for you.
Design Thinking in Practice (DTIP)
A three-day, in-person programme for professionals ready to tackle complex, real-world challenges using a practical, human-centred approach. Working in small teams with expert coaches, participants move through the full innovation cycle — from empathy and problem framing to ideation, prototyping, and testing — and leave with a toolkit they can apply immediately in their own context.
Fast Forward (FFWD) — Introduction to Design Thinking
A one-day introduction designed for UCT staff and faculty who want to sharpen their critical thinking, work in diverse, multidisciplinary teams on real-world problems, and build confidence in navigating uncertainty. It's the ideal first step for anyone curious about design thinking before committing to a longer programme.
Whichever you choose, you'll leave with a human-centred mindset, practical tools, and the confidence to reframe, rethink, and resolve the challenges in front of you.