This document summarizes the key topics and discussions from the Design Policy Conference in Cape Town from October 17-18, 2014. The conference focused on an African perspective on design policy. Some of the main themes discussed included interdependence between countries, leadership in the design field, embracing creativity and learning from the past. Specific challenges for design policy in Africa mentioned were limited education and inclusion opportunities for design disciplines, a lack of promotional institutions for design, designers being exploited, and the need for more countries to recognize design and have design policies and strategies in place.

1. DESIGN POLICY CONFERENCE:
an African perspective…
Mugendi K. M’Rithaa
Cape Town: 17-18th October 2014

2. Interdependence

4. 4

5. 5

6. 6

7. 7

8. 8

9. Leadership

12. 12

15. Mutual Support

18. Creativity

23. Adaptability

26. Learn from the past

29. Ingenuity

31. NURU™ LIGHTING SYSTEM: TESTING

34. Sustainability

39. Quality

44. Conviviality

48. Beauty

50. 50

52. Democracy

57. Transformation

58. 58

61. Emancipation

62. •DESIGN & BUSINESS
•DESIGN & EDUCATION
•DESIGN & GOVERNANCE
•DESIGN & SOCIETY
62
Embracing an evolving view of design agency:

63. •CELEBRATION & ELABORATION: few design specific awards
are offered across the continent – most focus on fashion and
communication design. Craft should be seen as a logical
extension of (and basis for) design discourse;
•COLLABORATION (not merely COMPETITION): mechanisms
for regional exchange are limited – no binding resolutions exist to
promote bi- and multi-lateral programming;
•DIFFERENTIATION & PARTICIPATION: different design
disciplines collaborate across professional lines e.g. interior
design with architecture; communication design with marketing,
films and publishing; industrial design with product innovation,
manufacturing and engineering; and service design with
governance;
63
Challenges for Design Policy in Africa:

64. •EDUCATION & INCLUSION: didactic and pedagogic offerings
differ significantly e.g. in industrial design;
•PROMOTION & CAPACITATION: few dedicated promotional
institutions and organisations exist for purposes of developing
and supporting the discipline;
•PROTECTION & REGULATION: designers are exploited in the
course of their dealings; and
•RECOGNITION & TRANSFORMATION: the design profession
is not fully recognised in many countries – few have a design
strategies or policies in place. An expanded view of design
should include the disciplines capacity for engaging with ‘wicked’
problems and other developmental challenges.
64
Challenges for Design Policy in Africa (cont’d):

65. Thank you…