For the first time in African history, the 13th Participatory Design Conference (PDC) took place in Windhoek on 7 October. The PDC has previously been held mostly in European countries.
Highlighting the importance of participatory design, the conference fell under the theme ‘Reflecting Connectedness’.
“We (as a nation) must further engage in critical events,” Rector of the Polytechnic of Namibia (PoN) stated during his opening speech. “Today, we have a universal connectedness.”
Tjivikua also brought about the transformation of PoN into a university. “Change and transformation comes with its own challenges. We are looking forward to more universities working together in the future.”
Minister of Communication and Technology, Joel Kaapanda, also graced the event by delivering a brief opening address welcoming international delegates and relating the conference to the Ministry.
“The theme is broadly aligned to the vision statement of my ministry and I encourage the youth to participate in big numbers. We should ensure connectedness.”
Held every two years since 1990, the PDC aims to ‘address participatory approaches in communications, computer supported cooperative work (CSCW), healthcare, new media and others’ which was briefly discussed in detail by Professor Pelle Ehn, Professor of Interaction Design at Malmö University’s School of Arts and Communication, who was the international keynote speaker.
“Designs of the future are always made in the present,” Ehn said before guiding the audience through five types of distinctive utopias in society, similar to that in Malmö, Sweden and touching on the object of design.
Dr Eino Mvula, Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission on Research and Technology (NCRST) was eager to congratulate the organisers on the event.
“This forum and interactions that will take place will allow us to build the networks that stick to the theme of this conference.”
The FabLab, which is a wing of the Polytechnic’s Namibia Business Innovation Centre (NBIC), had volunteers at the event, including art installations as a part of the National Wool Campaign to display to the public.
Sponsored by SAIS, Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture, National Commission on Research Science and Technology (NCRST) among others and co-hosted by PoN and the University of Namibia (Unam), the four-day event included presentations by international lecturers, panel discussions, live performances, game drives and a gala dinner with more activities to entertain guests.
