Design Ghana

PAN AFRIKAN DESIGN (PADI) /DesignGhana Conference 2025

Uniting Creativity Across Borders

Programme Details

PROGRAMME DETAILS

Introduction: This Design Conference focused on Education Touring and Conference Activities, aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange within the Afrikan design community. It seeks to bring together designers, educators, researchers, and industry professionals from across the continent to share insights, best practices, and emerging trends in design education and practice.

Registration

  • International delegates outside Afrika – $400
  • Afrikan delegates – $300
  • Local delegates (25% for Design Ghana Members) – GHS800

     

    Registration Deadline: 4, JUNE 2025
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Design Pedagogy and Curriculum Development: Exploring innovative approaches to design education, curriculum design, and pedagogical strategies.

Cross-disciplinary Collaboration in Design Education, Research and Methodologies:

  • Discussing the importance and methods of integrating multiple disciplines within design education.
  • Presenting research methodologies, case studies, and findings relevant to design practice and education. Sustainable Design Practices: Addressing sustainability challenges and solutions within design education and practice.

 

Technology and Design Education:

  • Examining the role of technology in design education, including digital tools, virtual reality, and online learning platforms.


Cultural Heritage and Design:

  • Exploring the intersection of cultural heritage, identity, and design education in Africa.

 

Cultural Fusion in Design:

  • Exploring the intersection of traditional African artistry with contemporary design trends.

 

Sustainable Design Solutions for the Built Environment:

  • Examining the role of design in shaping dynamic and inclusive urban spaces across the Afrikan landscape. Addressing environmental challenges through innovative and eco-conscious design practices.


Tech and Design Integration:

  • Harnessing technology to enhance the creative process and drive impactful design solutions.

 

 Design for Social Impact:

  • Showcasing projects and initiatives that use design as a tool for social change and community development.


Fashion and Textile Innovation:

  • Highlighting the rich tapestry of African fashion and textile design, from traditional craftsmanship to cutting-edge innovations.

 

Design Thinking for Social Innovations – Catalyzing Solutions for a Better Future:

  • This theme invites submissions exploring the power of Design Thinking in driving innovation and solving complex challenges. We seek papers that showcase creative, human-centered approaches across sectors, emphasizing sustainability, inclusivity, and real-world impact.

Pre – Conference meeting with DesignGhana/PADI Board at Kumasi

DAY 1: KNUST Campus (Kumasi)

Morning: Keynotes, Presentation sessions on design education and practice at a local university.

Afternoon: Keynotes, Parallel sessions on conference tracks, featuring paper presentations and discussions/ Exhibitions etc

Evening: Networking & Nightlife in Kumasi

 

DAY 2: KNUST Campus (Kumasi)

Morning: Keynote speeches by prominent design educators and practitioners.

Afternoon: Parallel sessions on conference tracks, featuring paper presentations and discussions.

Evening: Networking & Nightlife in Kumasi

DAY 3: KUMASI TOUR / CRAFT VILLAGES

Morning and Afternoon: Visit to traditional craft villages and design workshops in Kumasi. This will be interlaced with panel discussions on indigenous design and craftsmanship.

Evening: Gala dinner celebrating African design excellence / Kumasi Nightlife

DAY 4 (Post-Conference ACCRA TOUR)

Morning: Trip to Accra (5 hours trip by Bus (Coach) – or flights for approx $50). Optional Art and Design on the Bus program (Facilitated by artists)…factor the transportation cost in the registration fees….PADI/DesignGhana board to visit Winneba (UEW) to check on the HQ office space

Evening: Networking / Nightlife in Accra (Optional)

Note: Personal or private discovery of additional tourist areas and technical visits

(*additional fee may apply for the tourism activities).

Conclusion: The PAN African Design Conference: Education Touring and Conference Activities aims to create a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and capacity building within the African design community. Through a combination of academic presentations, practical workshops, and cultural tours, participants will gain valuable insights, forge meaningful connections, and contribute to the advancement of design education and practice in Africa. We invite stakeholders from across the continent to join us in this exciting endeavour.