Approach
DCO’s approach was formed in Mbare in the 1990s. Most of the small-scale informal entrepreneurs working there had come to Harare from rural areas and taught themselves a trade by copying furniture already on sale nearby. The originals had often been designed for skilled makers, seasoned timber and proper tools. Made with wet wood, improvised tools and limited skills, the copies could not be made well: joints failed, glued panels split, and the large pieces of timber they needed made them expensive. Everyone made the same few items, alone and in a single material, and few sold at a profit.
DCO worked with the entrepreneurs to redesign products around what they could actually make. The results were stronger, cheaper to produce, distinct from the copies, and profitable. The principles that came out of that work still guide DCO today.
Six principles
1. Start from what people already have
In Mbare, 1991–1999
Products were designed around the entrepreneurs’ own materials, tools and skills.
Today
Every project begins with what is already there: people, skills, resources, practices.
2. Design is the lever, not capital
In Mbare, 1991–1999
DCO gave no direct financial help. Value came from better products.
Today
DCO looks for gains that don’t depend on outside money continuing.
3. Design for a market
In Mbare, 1991–1999
New products stood out from a market of identical copies, found buyers, and sold at a profit.
Today
A solution counts when people use it, buy it or keep it running.
4. Leave skills behind
In Mbare, 1991–1999
Producers learned to make original products and to develop their own designs.
Today
DCO transfers methods, so partners can continue without it.
5. Plan for local ownership
In Mbare, 1991–1999
The Mbare Design Group brought producers of different trades to work together. After DCO left, production continued under local management for four years.
Today
Every engagement plans from the start who will own the result.
6. Measure the result
In Mbare, 1991–1999
Mbare Design Group members doubled their income.
Today
Each project defines what success means, and tracks it.
What DCO does
Design support for enterprises
For small enterprises and social entrepreneurs
Improving products and services so they are better made, easier to use, more sustainable, and easier to sell.
Development support and research
For NGOs, foundations and institutions
Shaping projects around what communities need, from field research and co-design to evaluating results.
Education and training
For schools, universities and training centres
Practical design methods taught through real projects. One format is a five-day module, Learn it · See it · Do it.
Areas of work: Local enterprise · Financial inclusion · Housing · Mobility · Education · Energy and water · Essential services
How an engagement works
1
Listen and observe
Time with the people concerned, on the ground wherever possible, before any proposal.
2
Co-design
Solutions developed with partners, not delivered to them.
3
Make and test
Prototypes, pilots and adjustments under real conditions.
4
Hand over
Skills, tools and ownership transferred to local actors.
Each project is also assessed against the UN Sustainable Development Goals it serves, for its social and environmental effects together.
Who DCO works with
Organisations on the ground
Communities, local enterprises, NGOs
You know the problem and the place. DCO brings design methods and market thinking, and leaves both with you.
Those who fund and support them
Foundations, companies, institutions
You want results that outlast the funding cycle. DCO plans for local ownership from the first day.