Ukuvuselela Principles of design
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 Print & Digital / Poster and Flyer
School / University Name:Greenside Design Center
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Kiara Dos Reis
Design Team / Other designer(s): Asmaa Mahomed, Luam Naudé, Gracious Mkhonto, Caitlyn Karalic, Harshil Naka, Marissa Cronje
Professor Name(s):Juliet Kavishe, Carla Saunders, Caitlin Paige
Project Location:Johannesburg, South Africa
Design Status:Concept
Video URL:View
Project Description:
Ukuvuselela principles of design empowers young Afrikan designers to reclaim their cultural identity in design by challenging Eurocentric standards. How might we create collective, cultural design principles that empower African design students to express their values, and explore ancestral knowledge without using a Western lens? The project addresses the lack of representation for African values, aesthetics, and knowledge in mainstream design education. By focusing on the design principle of shape, we developed tools and resources like a zine and fractal poster templates that use African fractal patterns and cycles of life to teach inclusive design principles. Our materials encourage cultural expression, agency, and sustainability, while being freely accessible to reduce barriers. Each year, Ukuvuselela will redefine a different design principle from an African perspective, inspiring future designers to shape the field on their own terms
Ukuvuselela principles of design empowers young Afrikan designers to reclaim their cultural identity in design by challenging Eurocentric standards. How might we create collective, cultural design principles that empower African design students to express their values, and explore ancestral knowledge without using a Western lens? The project addresses the lack of representation for African values, aesthetics, and knowledge in mainstream design education. By focusing on the design principle of shape, we developed tools and resources like a zine and fractal poster templates that use African fractal patterns and cycles of life to teach inclusive design principles. Our materials encourage cultural expression, agency, and sustainability, while being freely accessible to reduce barriers. Each year, Ukuvuselela will redefine a different design principle from an African perspective, inspiring future designers to shape the field on their own terms
Project Innovation / Specification:
This project is innovative for design education because it challenges traditional, Eurocentric approaches by centering African perspectives, cultural heritage, and indigenous knowledge. Instead of relying solely on Western design principles, it introduces new tools and learning resources such as the zine and fractal poster templates that are inspired by African visual languages, natural patterns, and communal values. The project encourages participatory learning and collective creativity, making design education more accessible, inclusive, and relevant to South African students. By redefining key design concepts each year from an African viewpoint, it continuously expands the curriculum and empowers learners to become agents of cultural renewal and innovation. This approach not only validates local identities but also inspires students to think critically and creatively about design’s role in shaping society.
This project is innovative for design education because it challenges traditional, Eurocentric approaches by centering African perspectives, cultural heritage, and indigenous knowledge. Instead of relying solely on Western design principles, it introduces new tools and learning resources such as the zine and fractal poster templates that are inspired by African visual languages, natural patterns, and communal values. The project encourages participatory learning and collective creativity, making design education more accessible, inclusive, and relevant to South African students. By redefining key design concepts each year from an African viewpoint, it continuously expands the curriculum and empowers learners to become agents of cultural renewal and innovation. This approach not only validates local identities but also inspires students to think critically and creatively about design’s role in shaping society.
Project Sustainability Approach:
This project embodies sustainability in design by prioritising educational resources that are accessible, adaptable, and rooted in local African knowledge systems. By developing materials like the zine and fractal poster templates, which are freely available both digitally and in print, the initiative reduces financial barriers and encourages participation. The focus on collective learning, cultural heritage, and the use of natural, recurring fractal patterns reflects a respect for ecological wisdom and cyclical thinking inherent in many African philosophies. In doing so, the project not only promotes a culture of inclusivity, longevity, and continuous renewal within the design community.
This project embodies sustainability in design by prioritising educational resources that are accessible, adaptable, and rooted in local African knowledge systems. By developing materials like the zine and fractal poster templates, which are freely available both digitally and in print, the initiative reduces financial barriers and encourages participation. The focus on collective learning, cultural heritage, and the use of natural, recurring fractal patterns reflects a respect for ecological wisdom and cyclical thinking inherent in many African philosophies. In doing so, the project not only promotes a culture of inclusivity, longevity, and continuous renewal within the design community.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
The impact of this project is it empowers young designers and students to see their cultural heritage, values, and visual languages reflected in their education and creative work. By providing accessible resources that celebrate indigenous knowledge and aesthetics, the project helps to foster pride in local identities and traditions, making design education more relevant and changing design views to be more African than Eurocentric.
The impact of this project is it empowers young designers and students to see their cultural heritage, values, and visual languages reflected in their education and creative work. By providing accessible resources that celebrate indigenous knowledge and aesthetics, the project helps to foster pride in local identities and traditions, making design education more relevant and changing design views to be more African than Eurocentric.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Kiara Dos Reis
