How design is used in everyday life – where do we see design? How does it affect daily life?

In essence, design is a fairly simple concept – yet it is exactly that what makes it complex and difficult to implement correctly. When you sit back and evaluate what is around you, you will soon realise that everything is designed, sadly not everything is designed well. Frank Chimero was on point when he said that “People ignore design that ignores people”. The mere fact that design is present does not mean that it is a good design.

 

When you think of it, design is a multi-faceted “thing”. It can be a thought, a tangible product, an office time-out room, a shopping centre or even an experience such a theme park or a golf course. A design has many “abilities” if you can call it that, the fact that design can change someone’s life by providing them with a wheelchair that is battery operated, for example, is amazing. It can be life changing, empowering, exciting, beautiful and inspiring. However these outcomes can only be achieved when the human factor, it’s challenges, restrictions, wants and needs, are at the center of the design.

 

Waking up to an alarm clock on wheels – a design element that forces you to get out of bed to catch it in order to switch it off is evident of design in everyday life. The toothbrush holder that uses a suction cup to stick to your mirror is design – good or bad, is debatable. The nifty leather pouch that has a place for your iPhone, a charger, earphones, your tablet and a memory stick, is a great example of a design that has the user in mind. The car, train or scooter you use to commute to work on the roads or railway tracks each morning showcases design in your day to day life.

 

Design can affect your daily life in a positive and contributing way or it can make things more difficult than what it already proves to be. Design that focuses purely on aesthetics or the financial wellbeing of the designer, will most definitely not be of benefit to you. A tiling layout in a foyer for example that is extravagant and beautiful will be of little appreciation if it is slippery and hazardous to use. A personalised timber cell phone cover is “trendy”, but what will happen if you had to drop your phone? Odds are, the aesthetically pleasing “protective” cover will be the first to shatter, followed by the “extra sensitive touch screen for easy use”.

 

They say good design is obvious and great design is transparent. Great design will be a combination of form, function and intended purpose. That intended purpose should always be mindful of the human factor – not only the direct users, but also those indirectly affected. Using a battery powered wheelchair is empowering, it enables the user to move from point A to B without physical work, but what about the battery life, the supplier of the battery, the technicians needed to fix such a battery? Being restricted to your house as a wheelchair user limits your life experience, however allowing a wheelchair on the freeway, for example, might be a liberating thought, sadly the freeway is not designed for the wheelchair user and vice versa.

 

Don’t design for designers, always design for people. Follow your heart, but take your brain with you – bad design is not just ugly, it is dangerous. “Great design is not just a solution, it is the elimination of the problem.” – M. Cobanli.

 

Written by

Lujané Blomerus

Watz’Weh Designs

Innovative Higher Education Project at Inscape Education Group Promotes Multidisciplinary Collaboration for Social Impact

Inscape Education Group is thrilled to announce Project 81 – a multidisciplinary collaborative design project. This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at fostering collaboration among first and second-year students across various design programmes including fashion, interior design, ideation, graphic design, and digital marketing to tackle real-world challenges and make a positive impact in the communities. 

Inspired by Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, the project is inspired by and run in partnership with the NowNow competition, who created the contextual competition briefing. The focus of the Project is addressing the needs of the Khayelitsha community in Cape Town, students are tasked with conceptualising and designing for the Community Centre – the ‘Khayel Dream Centre’ – that serves as an employment hub and showcase of local skills, talent, crafts, and merchandise. 

Key Components of Project 81 

  • Collaborative Teams: Small groups of students (3-5 students), comprising individuals from different design disciplines, work together to develop innovative solutions for the Khayel Dream Centre. 
  • Integration of Design Disciplines: Each design team leverages the unique strengths and perspectives of its members in order to choose their strategy. From ideating value propositions and creating interiors spaces to designing sustainable fashion and accessories and crafting compelling branding and marketing strategies, students are tasked with crafting holistic solutions that resonate with the local community’s needs and aspirations.  
  • Real-world Application: Students are challenged to apply their design skills to address real-life challenges faced by the Khayelitsha community, emphasising the importance of social responsibility and community engagement. 
  • Hands-on Learning: Through a combination of hybrid guest speakers, on-campus workshops, and collaborative activities, students gain practical experience and develop essential teamwork and problem-solving skills. 

Esther Martins, Dean of the Built Environment at Inscape Education Group, comments, “ Project 81  exemplifies Inscape’s commitment to providing students with meaningful learning experiences that prepare them for success in the professional world. By fostering collaboration across design disciplines and engaging with real-world challenges, students not only enhance their design skills but also make a tangible impact in communities.” 

Peter Harrison, Postgraduate Academic Manager at Inscape commented, ‘I’m excited at the prospect of our first and second years being exposed to the idea that carefully considered and therefore appropriate design interventions, can positively drive much needed social change.’ 

With a focus on sustainability, social impact, and multidisciplinary collaboration,  Project 81  represents a forward-thinking approach to design education, empowering students to become changemakers in their communities. 

For more information about Inscape Education Group and  Project 81, click here.

For more information about the NowNow competition, click here.

About Inscape Education Group 

Inscape Education Group is a leading private higher education institution in South Africa, offering a range of design-focused programmes across multiple learning hubs. With a commitment to innovation, creativity and excellence, Inscape equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic field of design. 

Inscape Media Contact: 

Inscape Media Contact: 

Inscape Partnership Contact: 

NowNow Contact: 

  • Sebastian Hitchcock  
  • Co-Founder of The NowNow Competition 
  • Director and co-founder of Studio Same Same 
  • [email protected] 

 

Follow Inscape Education Group: 

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Byte Orbit Partners with Inscape for an Inspiring 48-Hour Innovation Marathon.

Established in 1981, Inscape a prominent private higher education institution in South Africa, has been pioneering an innovative educational approach known as the 48 Hour Brief. This initiative is designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world industry demands. The key aspects and objectives of the project are to shed light on educational significance and the benefits it offers to both students and industry partners.   

 

Inscape is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Byte Orbit, a leading technology solutions provider, to embark on a collaborative journey that promises to inspire innovation and creative excellence.  Byte Orbit is a solutions-driven powerhouse of innovation, technology, strategy and design who partner with clients on product design, software development, product launch strategies, as well as customer experience management and support, with a speciality in the fintech industry. In-house solutions extend from fintech into fields such as machine learning and unmanned aerial vehicles.  

 

For the 48 Hour Brief, students face a formidable challenge – to respond to and satisfy Byte Orbit’s brief within a mere 48-hour timeframe. This demanding deadline compels students to think critically, make decisions swiftly, and deliver creative solutions under pressure. Such an environment closely mirrors the fast-paced nature of many industries, equipping students with skills that are highly prized by employers.   

 This partnership with Byte Orbit is designed to address real-world design problems. These challenges are intentionally “bite-sized” to align with the tight time constraints. Students are encouraged to innovate and develop novel concepts, campaigns, or ideas that align to Byte Orbit’s criteria. This often involves reimagining brand identities, processes, or marketing strategies to stay attuned to changing consumer interests. As a result, students not only gain hands-on experience but also contribute fresh perspectives to the industry.   

 

Inscape believes that innovation is born when diverse minds come together, and this partnership embodies that belief, says Business Development Manager at Inscape Miguel de Figueiredo. Byte Orbit’s industry experts will share their invaluable insights and mentorship with the students and will be involved in hands-on, real-world problems that reflect the challenges faced by industries today. This immersive experience will not only provide them with a unique learning opportunity but also empower them to make a meaningful impact in the industry. The industry live brief set by Byte Orbit for the participants promises to intrigue and excite. It challenges them to explore new horizons and come up with innovative solutions that can disrupt the tech landscape positively.  

 

 At its core, the 48 Hour Brief project is a testament to Inscape’s commitment to providing students with a holistic and practical education. It offers a bridge between the world of academia and the professional world, equipping students with skills that go beyond textbooks. This approach aligns with the broader goals of Inscape, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the competitive job market.  

This project represents a bold step toward redefining the traditional boundaries of education. By immersing students in real-world challenges, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and engaging with industry clients, this initiative enhances student learning and prepares them for successful careers. It also provides industry partners with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. In an ever-evolving educational landscape, the 48-Hour Brief stands as a beacon of innovation and practicality, serving as a model for institutions seeking to empower their students for the challenges of the future. The partnership between Inscape and Byte Orbit embodies the principles of experiential learning, offering a unique bridge between academic theory and real-world industry demands. Inscape is looking forward to this year’s partnership with our Ideation 2nd years and the ideation industry leaders Byte Orbit.    

If your company would like to collaborate with the Inscape 48-Hour Project and revolutionise your approach to design challenges. 

    

Contact our Business Development Manager Miguel de Figueiredo and witness the transformative impact that our students can have on your projects. 

     

📨[email protected]    

 Join the #ByteLife #challengeready #workready 

Vape or sit? – Inscape student designs a chair out of Airscream South Africa’s disposable vape devices.

According to P & S Intelligence (2019) https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/south-africa-e-cigarette-market, the South African e-cigarette market was valued at $20.7 million in 2018 with the expectation to register a CAGR of 18.6% during 2019-2024.   

Sustainability is a top concern at Inscape, which is why the United Nation’s SDGs and the Circular Economy principles have been embedded in our academic curriculum. As part of their fabrication module, first-year Bachelor of Design students received a brief to design a chair that relates to their ‘own story’.    

 

“Seeing people throw away disposable vapes regularly didn’t sit well with me as I knew it is bad for the environment,” said Sarah Lottering, Inscape 1st year student. A chance to voice out her concerns and create awareness about reusing, recycling and reducing waste arose and she took it with both hands, literally.   

Sarah designed a chair out of Airscream South Africa’s AirPops one-use devices. “I decided to post on my Instagram story a request for people to donate used disposable vape devices to make my chair.”  

The aesthetically pleasing chair grabbed the attention of Airscream South Africa, igniting a trend and leading to a competition requesting people to upload photos showcasing their creative flair with AirPops, for a chance to win prizes.   

 

“I’m not a designer,” you say, well, here are more ways for you to safely dispose off vape devices:   

 

Image Credit: U.S Food & Drug Administration.  

 

The next time you think of throwing away a vape device, channel your inner creativity and start reusing, recycling, and reducing. A special shoutout to Sarah Lottering for introducing an impactful trend.   

Benefits of enrolling for a distance learning course at Inscape.

According to The World Economic Forum (WEF) on average, students retain 25-60% more material when learning online compared to only 8-10% in a classroom. Additionally, distance learning students require 40-60% less time to learn than contact learning students because they can learn at their own pace, going back and re-reading, skipping, or accelerating through concepts as they choose.

Provided you have the right support, distance (via online) learning is a study mode that is ideal for anyone looking for a schedule that caters for life’s activities. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, online learning has increased in popularity as the preferred mode of study for working professionals and those who previously considered the traditional classroom, a preference accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Inscape Education Group offers 14 distance learning courses, including three accredited Higher Certificate courses, Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design, as well as several non-accredited, industry-recognized skills-based courses.

Here are a few of the many reasons why students continue to choose our Distance Learning courses:

Apply and register from the comfort of your own home.

You can study anywhere and anytime.

The courses are designed to accommodate working professionals to enable a work-life balance.

You do not have to attend any on-campus classes, everything is online.

Continuous project-based assessment means there are no tests or exams.

Our distance learning staff are available to assist and support you during work hours on WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, and email.

Still not sure whether distance learning is the right mode of study for you?

We had a chat with Surette Myburgh (Founder of Design & Deco by Surette), an Inscape Distance Learning alumna who studied the Higher Certificate in Interior Decorating and this is what she had to say:

Q: Why did you choose the distance learning mode of study?

A: Because of my age (49 at the time if I remember correctly), I was not a candidate for full-time/on-campus studies. I am also a self-disciplined person, so distance learning was not a problem. 

Q: What mechanisms did you use to ensure discipline with your studies considering the distance mode of learning?

A: I divided all the modules into the total time frame I had to finish and that gave me an outline.  If I set a goal for myself, I will not waver from it.  Sometimes it was really tough, and I had to sit for many days to do research or finish my modules. I also did a lot of research to broaden my knowledge about each topic I had to master. My goal was to finish each module as best as I can.  I took all the feedback to heart with the return of my marked modules, and I tried to follow that to the best of my ability. 

Q: What are you currently busy with?

A: I do enjoy the creativity of interior styling and I’ve done some lovely projects for clients.  On a full-time basis, I assist my husband in his business, even if it does not completely relate to my field of study.  To have completed my studies was as much about mastering the field of interior styling, as it was about proving to myself that I could accomplish that. I feel very fulfilled after completing my studies and I am very proud to have completed it through Inscape. 

The Inscape Distance campus offers courses in Interior Decorating, Fashion Design, Architectural Technology, User Experience Design, Digital Marketing, Graphic Design and more. Go the distance with us, click chat to WhatsApp our Brand Ambassadors for more information or visit our website, click here, to find a distance learning course for your professional needs.

World Environmental Health Day 2022: What can “I” do to save the world?

There is no doubt that wherever you turn you are asked to recycle, reduce, and reuse for a sustainable environment. Each day reminds us that we only have one earth, and that today’s actions will impact future generations. 

Below are two practical steps you can take to make your impact on this earth gentle and more sustainable:  

  1. Consume Responsibly.  

Whether it is reducing plastic waste, buying locally manufactured goods, or considering your carbon footprint, we cannot go on business as usual. The Covid-19 pandemic showed us that we could do more with less, less travel to in-person business meetings, less wastage and less buying albeit forced at the time.   

The immense waste we produce from consumption itself should be enough to pivot us into some form of change, for instance, plastic straws can take about 200 years to decompose, every time we use a plastic straw it is most likely to outlive us. The next time you are offered a plastic straw at a restaurant, opt-out or opt-in for a paper straw.   

Minor habit changes can have a larger effect on the collective effort as humans. In the words of Margaret Mead “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”  

“Inscape is actively engaging with this by educating designers within the built environment industry who design interiors from a lens of sustainability through an environmental major introduced in the Bachelor of Design in Interior Design, tackling the concept of sustainable fashion in the reimagined Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design and the Higher Certificate in Fashion Design,” said Esther Martins, Dean of the Built Environment Faculty at Inscape.   

 

  1. Encourage Biodiversity Around You. 

Biodiversity is more than just about fauna and flora, it is “promoting healthy conditions for organisms to thrive” (Yale Sustainability, 2022) how can we practically do this? The article suggests the following:  

  • Plant local flowers, fruits and vegetables.  
  • Support local farms which support agricultural efforts to conserve biodiversity.  
  • Save the bees by planting nectar-producing wildflowers.  

The above are just two ways in which you can start playing your part in preserving the earth and changing the trajectory from polluted and struggling to flourishing and thriving. See, you can save the world, one small change at a time. There are more ways to learn and teach. Happy World Environmental Health Day!  

Inscape’s reimagined South African fashion curriculum for a sustainable and decolonised fashion future: Course-related updates.

Inscape is thrilled to announce its reimagined Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design and the Higher Certificate in Fashion Design, ensuring students are offered relevant future-oriented fashion industry programmes.  

In the reimagined fashion programmes, students will be introduced to the concept of sustainable fashion and how this impacts the fashion market and consumer behaviours. They will learn about design thinking and the design process and how design can impact the fashion value chain.   

As part of the curriculum revision team, British-Ghanaian academic, researcher, business strategist and executive director of the Council for International African Fashion Education (CIAFE), Frederica Brooksworth brought extensive knowledge of the fashion world, fashion education and the African fashion context to the reimagining process. Working with Petro Nel, Fashion Programme Manager at Inscape, as well as several Inscape lecturers, the programmes have been updated and aligned with current trends in the fashion industry.  

Mohamed Karodia, Dean of Business and Innovation at Inscape provided oversight over the process of updating and reimagining the subject matter and concepts explored within the two Fashion programmes for the 2023 intake of students. Considering the feedback from internal and external stakeholders, Inscape graduates, staff and students, as well as the 2021 report on the future of fashion and sustainability, the reimagining of the two programmes ensures that students gain the requisite knowledge and skills that will equip them for current and emerging fashion challenges.    

Course-related updates:    

  1. Higher Certificate in Fashion Design   

In the Higher Certificate in Fashion Design students will learn the following:  

  • The fundamentals of fashion design, including illustration and how to present their designs.   
  • The systems and technical skills of pattern making.   
  • The basics of hand and machine sewing.   
  • The history of African and international fashion and the fashion systems encountered in the industry.  

As part of their curriculum, students spend 6-weeks in the fashion industry. An emphasis on sustainable fashion, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the circular economy and a decolonised view of fashion are integrated into the programme. Refer to the website for subject-specific information.  

 

2. Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design   

In this three-year programme, students start with fashion design subjects in the first year of study. Building on a thorough understanding of design and design principles, students engage with the following:   

  • Patternmaking  
  • Illustration  
  • Garment construction  
  • History  
  • Textiles  
  • The business of fashion  

 

The reimagining of the programme is illustrated by the inclusion of topics such as fashion history in South Africa, a history of fashion in Africa and the Global North, textiles and fabrics. Students will be introduced to how the business of fashion and fashion practices can be built on and improved in a contemporary eco-sensitive context. Certain traditional practices, borne out of necessity and lack of materials can be harnessed and used in the quest to achieve a sustainable future in the South African fashion industry. Refer to the website for subject-specific information. 

   

Employment opportunities and careers   

Fashion Design graduates can enter the fashion industry in various ways. Opportunities include fashion design, buying, merchandising, entrepreneur, stylist, fashion marketing, garment technologist, and fashion writer. These opportunities exist in both the luxury and retail fashion sectors. The courses provide the opportunity to explore a variety of different roles in fashion. You can become a fashion designer, creative director, digital fashion designer, pattern cutter, garment technologist, sustainability assistant, sustainability, manufacturing and sourcing assistant, fashion merchandiser, fashion buyer, trend forecaster, fashion researcher, collection specialist, compliance assistant, resale fashion buyer, sustainability consultant, content creator and much more.   

 

Applications are now open, click https://www.inscape.ac/courses/course-type/undergraduate/higher-certificates/fashion-design/ to apply for the Higher Certificate in Fashion Design or https://www.inscape.ac/courses/course-type/undergraduate/bachelors/bdes-fashion-design/ for the Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design.   

 

Why do students choose Inscape?

he selection of a higher education institution is an important decision for all aspiring students, and it affects their commitment, motivation to study and career prospects. Institutions of higher learning are important role players in the South African economy as the receptacle of skills required to equip individuals to make the best use of their talents and of the opportunities offered by society for self-fulfilment. Modern marketing philosophy suggests that consumers and the satisfaction of their needs should be the reason for the existence of any organisation and should thus be the main driver for strategic decisions.  

 

What makes students choose a specific institution of higher learning?  

A question that many higher education institutions have been grappling with for some time. Several studies have been conducted to get to the bottom of this complex issue.   

Hobsons, a group of well-known educational consultants, conducted an International Student Survey in 2017 and found that high-quality teaching and the availability of scholarships were two of the most important factors that students considered when choosing a specific university. Aeyanju et al (2020) in turn found that the reputation of a university, the courses they offer, and the facilities available, may be considered positive attributes that are likely to influence the student’s choice. Calitz et al (2020) state that the factors impacting a student’s choice are country-specific and may include culture, educational needs, campus activities, safety, and security, and socio-economic issues.   

To identify the factors that influenced current students in their decision to study at Inscape, a survey was conducted amongst first-year students, 154 respondents participated in the survey and the findings below are representative of their overall responses.   

 

  • THE OBVIOUS CHOICE FOR DESIGN   

The majority of students answered that they wanted to study Design, implying that Inscape was the obvious choice for a design student.   

  • REPUTATION  

A number of students mentioned personal referrals, and great reviews from previous/current students.   

  • SMALL CLASSES   

Students commented on the fact that Inscape has small classes (maximum 24 students), where students receive individual attention.   

  •   SAFE ENVIRONMENT  

They said that the environment is safe and welcoming. This correlates with the study conducted by Calitz et al (2020) which indicates that safety and security played a deciding role in both local and international students’ choice of university in South Africa.   

  • NO EXAMS   

An interesting finding was that several students indicated that their choice was influenced by the fact that Inscape students do not write exams. This relates to the assessment strategy – Inscape undertakes a continuous assessment of students, via assignments and practical work, which emulates the kind of work they would do in their respective industries. The work is theory-based and theory-informed, but students demonstrate their understanding in more innovative ways other than writing tests or exams.   

If you have to ask any of our students, this does not make studying at Inscape ‘easy’ – in fact, it may be harder, although the students seem to value the approach.   

  • GATEWAY TO ARCHITECTURE   

It is also worth noting that Higher Certificate: Architectural Technology students see this programme as their ‘gateway to architectural studies’. The qualification is validated by SACAP (the South African Council for the Architectural Profession) and allows graduates entry to a professional career as a Draughtsperson. 66% of the Higher Certificate in Architectural Technology graduates from 2021 went on to further studies.   

In a separate exercise, students were interviewed by the marketing department, and this is what they had to say :   

“I chose Inscape as there were many opportunities to get a feeling of the campus and staff from the open days to the interviews and workshops, but I ultimately chose Inscape to pursue my passion as it was always a warm and welcoming environment. Before it was even certain that I would be studying here, I was made to feel more than a number, that I mattered and that my opinion mattered. It was clear that lecturers and academic staff wanted to get to know me and who I am and know me more than just a graphic designer. I felt welcomed and comfortable at Inscape, which was extremely important to me coming from a high school that felt like family, I wanted to find another place where I would be able to feel the same way.” – Charlotte Williamson.   

“I chose Inscape because they offer a variety of courses that are very design related and I was very interested in design. I specifically was drawn to the AT course and after that year, I loved being there and continued to do the ED degree! I enjoy the atmosphere and the people, Inscape has continued to inspire me and encourage me to always think outside the box and that hard work always pays off. Inscape also has an experiential training subject which gives a student a whole different look into the industry, which is a really great way to implement what is taught and use it in real-life projects. Inscape builds confidence where presentations act as exams and that is a great way to show the understanding of what is learnt in your own way. Honestly, I am glad I chose Inscape because I have grown so much and have learned a lot about myself!”- Graziella Andrade.   

“I choose Inscape because I saw a family that embraces Individuality. It’s different and set apart when it comes to the students. It’s welcoming and doesn’t care where you come from but about where you are and where you are going. It’s full of Inspiration and grooms us to be better designers for our future. IT’S BUILT TO SET US APART.”- Aphelele Ndwandwe.   

“I chose Inscape because I felt like I had an opportunity to reach my full potential at this college. I can learn from peers, lecturers and hosts on ‘In-work training briefs’. I always wanted to change the world somehow, and with Inscape I have the best chance in doing that, one brief and one design at a time.”- Zanel Potgieter.  

As Institutions of higher learning, we must identify the factors which influence the decision-making of prospective students regarding their choice of academic institutions in order to develop strategies to address these issues and ensure access to higher education for all. At Inscape, we choose to put the student first, in everything we do.   

Design Indaba Emerging Creatives 2020

Kehumile Mate (Bachelor of Design specialising in Inteiror Design graduate) is a qualified interior and furniture designer, a fine artist and self-taught photographer, who was raised in Mabopane, a township in Pretoria. He is  the founder of a Johannesburg-based bespoke interior and furniture design company, ‘Mitsotso’.

Jessica Le Roux is a (Bachelor of Design specialising in Ideation Design graduate) designer from Cape Town. In her work she uses masking tape to create beautiful garments. She chose to embrace this material and made a whole range of objects ranging from necklaces to coffee tables as well as creating sculptures out of the material.

Ghilian Chevelu (Bachelor of Design specialising in Graphic Design) a Cape Town-based designer who loves working with old objects that no longer serve a purpose, and re-imagining them into contemporary pieces of art. His clothing brand Illucid was created to allow people to embrace their self-expression, whatever form that may take. Ghilian has recently opened a store in Cape Town.

Johnny Allison – Loeries

The Loeries Official Rankings is a useful and independent measure of who’s doing what and who’s doing it the best in the industry, across Africa and the Middle East.