Human-centered design foundational program equips you with the mindsets, approaches and tools you can use to develop human-centered solutions. As a human-centered designer, you will leverage this creative problem-solving and collaborative approach to design solutions that are desirable, viable and feasible, whether at the workplace or for your own venture.
ISA Human-Centered Design (HCD) Program
Program Overview
Immerse yourself into the world of Human Centered Design and Design Thinking, and learn its approaches to create solution-oriented efforts towards the right people in the most effective and empathetic ways. The ISA HCD program is the foundational program designed to include Design Thinking, the basics of Design Research and Business Design to give you skills and mindsets of how to apply HCD in your craft or work environment.
What you gain by taking the ISA Human Centered Design (HCD) Foundational program: You will
- Understand and practice key mindsets in Human-Centered Design and Design Thinking including Empathy, Collaboration, Iteration, Embracing Ambiguity and Creative Confidence
- Understand how to identify opportunities for design by building empathy and through research
- Develop a systemic view lens to problem-solving by understanding how a user’s social, economic and environmental ecosystem influences their solution uptake
- Develop problem framing, research, synthesis, ideation, creative thinking, rapid prototyping, and user testing capabilities so as to respond to design innovative solutions.
- Discover and identify desirable, feasible, and viable opportunities for challenging problems of our time.
- Learn and practice 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, empathy, project management, communication, report writing, self-management and leadership.
Who can take part in the ISA
Human-Centered Design Foundational Program
ISA human-centered design foundational program is for anyone looking to become a human-centered designer by building knowledge and skills in human-centered design.
The program is ideal for you if you are:
- You are at least a recent graduate in any field
- You are interested in venturing into the research, design and innovation field
- You are interested in applying human-centered design in your field of work or entrepreneurship
- You can commit 3 months for the program
- You are available at least 20 hours per week for the duration of the program
- You can commit to attend in-person learning experiences in our Nairobi learning Studio
- You can show commitment, and can collaborate with others in the program.
Program Structure and Key dates
Learning Model – Hybrid (both in-person and online learning)
20 hours per week
3 Months
Approach – Immersive real life projects
Program Investment – Kes 60,000/=
What you get as an Idea Studio Africa Fellow
At Idea Studio Africa, we pride ourselves in delivering the highest quality of learning experience to our participants. Idea Studio Africa provides:
A learning & practice environment
Access a supportive and flexible learning environment to upskill, learn and practice the skills for the future of work and entrepreneurship.
Immersive & meaningful projects
Work on real, immersive and meaningful projects and challenges with expert facilitation and practical learning to help deepen your skills and abilities.
Tools & resources
Access the tools and resources needed to help you practice your skills and abilities; all while creating value at work or in your business.
Credibility & brand
Build and leverage strong network opportunities; while showcasing your credibility and value to achieve your career and life goals. You will also measure, evaluate and share your growth and progress.
A lifelong community
Access (life and career) mentors, coaches and experts to help you navigate your current journey. Learn and grow alongside other ambitious professionals and visionary entrepreneurs.
Access to post-program support
Whether you’re looking for meaningful work opportunities or follow-up support to launch and grow your venture, ISA is the right place for you.
Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many programs does ISA have?
Idea Studio Africa currently has 3 programs. These are: Human-Centered Design Foundational Program, ISA Entrepreneurship Program, Mideva Design Fellowship.
What background do I need to have to join an ISA program?
Our fellows come from diverse backgrounds all with the goal to up-skill, change course or learn something new in research, design, innovation, or entrepreneurship.
Can I take two programs at the same time?
Due to the intensive and immersive nature of some of the courses, we do not recommend taking two courses at the same time. However, you can take up another program as soon as you’re done with one!
Is there a flexible payment plan?
Yes! We have tailored payment plans that can support the fellows who are most in need. To learn more about a payment plan that works for you, feel free to contact us via a phone call, a WhatsApp message, or email!
Are there available educational sponsorship options?
Yes! Our educational sponsorships are based on merit and economical needs. To learn more about our educational sponsorship, feel free to contact us via email.
How flexible is the attendance for the program for those with full time jobs?
Some of our programs have hybrid sessions that allow fellows with full-time jobs flexibility to attend them across the week. Check out the modules for our programs.