After a year of inflation, economic uncertainty, and rising cyber risks, South African businesses are looking ahead to a new year with some relief.
Load shedding is ending, interest rates are dropping, and the economy seems more stable. But new challenges, like climate change, global tensions, and failing infrastructure, are on the horizon.
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Ettienne Mostert, Business and Partnership Development Manager at the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika at UCT, feels that in order to deal with these issues and stay competitive, companies may need to change how they solve problems. He suggests that human-centred design thinking is a method that can help businesses come up with better solutions by focusing on what people actually need.
What is design thinking?
Mostert explains that design thinking is all about putting people first. Instead of focusing only on profits or processes, this approach encourages businesses to understand their customers, employees, or communities deeply.
“Design thinking is about understanding people’s needs and coming up with creative solutions,” Mostert said, “It’s a way of solving problems that starts with empathy – truly understanding what people are going through.”
He says that this method is not just about helping customers. It can also make employees feel more valued and engaged.
Paul Steenkamp, who runs a consultancy called I Am Jack Frost, added that businesses that use design thinking tend to have happier teams, better customer experiences, and a greater ability to handle change.
Real-world examples
One example of design thinking in action is a project by d-school Afrika to improve public libraries in the Western Cape. By talking to government officials, library staff, and community members, they reimagined libraries as spaces for learning, inclusion, and reading for everyone.
“Partnerships like this show how design thinking can bring fresh ideas to big challenges,” says Mostert. “It’s not just a business tool – it’s a way to make a real difference.”
Why it matters for 2025
In 2025, businesses will need to adapt quickly to new challenges while still finding ways to grow. Mostert believes design thinking is a valuable way to do both.
“By focusing on people and working together, businesses can come up with solutions that solve today’s problems and prepare for the future,” he says.