Design class by atelier/
I have been approached by atelier/ to create the first learning experience pilot. atelier/ is a design studio based in Kigali (Rwanda) that designs community and public spaces that create shared social infrastructures and platforms for people to reimagine, prototype and scale new ideas and
experiences in a collaborative and sustainable ways.
Stakeholders
atelier/ CEO and co-facilitators and designers, French Embassy in Rwanda
Audience
6 creative entrepreneurs, creative industry actors
Responsibilities
Instructional Design, Storyboarding, Visual Design, Mockups, eLearning Development, Content, Research, Facilitation, Coordination, Project management, Art and creative direction
Tools
SAM design model, Cognitive and learning theories, Bloom’s Taxonomy, ABCD design, Figma, Google slides
The problem
As the Learning Coordinator and Project Manager, I spearheaded an innovative 8-week Design Thinking Residency aimed at transforming the creative process within a modern design academy context in Rwanda. This residency, which contributed to a continuous learning channel, provided a unique platform for 6 creative entrepreneurs from diverse creative industries to rethink, reshape, and elevate their approach to design and creativity.
I joyfully worked with George Joseph creative director at Ideo, Dolph Banza CEO of Inkstain and Amin Gafaranga architect and CEO of atelier/ as co-creative minds and enablers.
The solution
The primary goal of the residency was to embrace freedom in creativity while instilling rigor through the design thinking process. This new format in Rwanda aimed to foster innovation and collaboration among creative entrepreneurs, empowering them to explore new perspectives and methodologies.
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Key features of the residency
Continuous Learning Channel: The residency served as an ongoing learning platform, enabling participants to apply design thinking principles beyond the program duration.
Creative Entrepreneurship Focus: Tailored for creative entrepreneurs, the residency emphasized practical application and real-world innovation within the creative industries.
My role and process
In my role as Learning Coordinator and Project Manager, I orchestrated the following activities:
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Curriculum Development: Collaborated with the expert creative leads to develop a structured curriculum that integrated design thinking principles and encouraged experimental approaches to creativity.
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Facilitation and Mentorship: Led workshops and mentoring sessions to guide participants through the design thinking process, providing personalized support and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
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Final Exhibition as Art Director: Took on the role of Art Director along with my collaborator for the final exhibition, working closely with the creative team to curate and showcase the outcomes of the residency in an impactful and visually compelling manner.
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Visual Mockups
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The residency embraced a novel format that combined freedom in creativity with the rigor of the design thinking process, challenging traditional paradigms and fostering a culture of experimentation and collaboration.
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Prototype & full development
Please note that the full content is confidential. You can find some samples below:
Takeaways
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Collaboration:
Collaborating and co-constructiong this experience from scratch with the creative team was amazing and together is defintely the way to go further!
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Final Exhibition:
As the co-art director for the final exhibition, I curated and directed the presentation of participants' work, ensuring a visually compelling showcase of their innovative ideas and creative journeys.
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Impact and Outcomes:
The Design Thinking Residency aimed to inspire participants to become catalysts for change within Rwanda's creative landscape, empowering them to leverage design thinking methodologies to drive innovation and entrepreneurial success.
This project underscores my passion for fostering creativity, innovation, and continuous learning within the realm of design and entrepreneurship, making a lasting impact on both individuals and the broader creative community in Rwanda.
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Design exploration:
Leading the Design Thinking Residency in Rwanda was a transformative experience that reaffirmed the profound impact of fostering creativity and innovation within the creative community.
As a Learning Experience Designer and Creative Director, I discovered the power of combining freedom in creativity with the rigor of design thinking methodologies to inspire meaningful change. This experience reinforced the importance of personalized learning journeys and collaborative exploration, empowering creative entrepreneurs to embrace new perspectives and elevate their creative process.
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The residency underscored the vital role of continuous learning and experimentation in cultivating a culture of innovation, driving positive transformation within the Rwandan creative landscape.
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