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World Usability Day Africa ’24 wasn’t just an event, it was a movement that brought together some of the brightest minds in design, technology, and innovation.
The event, held on the 16 of November 2024, made history as the first World Usability Day (WUD) event ever held in sub-Saharan Africa and the largest in Africa, drawing designers, developers, researchers, product managers, analysts, content writers, marketers, and end users from across the continent
Elizabeth Rosenzweig
Read also: Youverify Wins Prestigious GRC and Fincrime Award for Best GRC and Financial Crime Prevention Solution Provider of the Year
Elizabeth Rosenzweig, the founder and keynote speaker of WUD, described the day as a historic moment. She emphasized that WUD’s expansion to Africa symbolized a significant leap in empowering local innovators to advance human-centred design, “for Africans, by Africans.”
Reflecting on her career at Apple and Kodak, Elizabeth inspired the audience: “Keep your fire bright, don’t let anyone define you because you have untapped wells springing inside of you.”
She envisioned a future where Indigenous Knowledge Systems, combined with user-centered design, address complex regional and global challenges effectively.
To mention a few, Tunde Kabir Mason, Head of Product Design at Kuda, delved into the concept of “Trust” and its vital role in creating successful user experiences. His emphasis on trust as the foundation of user engagement set the tone for the discussions that followed.
Dumebi Iwuchukwu, meanwhile, explored the power of storytelling in design, demonstrating how compelling narratives can turn data into something both accessible and impactful, ultimately improving usability.
Iwalola Sobowale introduced innovative research techniques that push beyond traditional surveys, offering fresh approaches to gathering user insights. Her focus on unconventional methods encouraged attendees to rethink how they connect with users and extract valuable feedback.
Olamilekan Dauda shifted the conversation towards the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in productivity. He discussed how AI can revolutionize design and product workflows, urging everyone to embrace its possibilities for enhancing both creativity and efficiency.
WUD Africa ‘24 was steered by a passionate team led by Joseph Kalu, who, alongside Azeem Gbadamosi, Folajomi Rukayat Bello, Tiwanijesu Sulaiman, Solomon Eyitene, Somtochukwu Mbamalu, Mujeedah Ashiru, Clement Bassey, Precious Edeki, Sodiq Lasisi, Daberechi Okorie, Babalola Toluwanimi, Robinson Maggie, Chukwuemeka Grace and others, ensured a seamless experience.
The event’s convener, Joseph Kalu, emphasized its long-term vision. “WUD Africa isn’t just about the here and now. It’s about shaping a future where African designers are at the forefront of African and global usability and innovation,” he said.
“WUD Africa ’24 was more than just a celebration of innovation. It was a bold statement about Africa’s place in the future of product and solution creation.” Said Azeem Gbadamosi
The event, held on the 16 of November 2024, made history as the first World Usability Day (WUD) event ever held in sub-Saharan Africa and the largest in Africa, drawing designers, developers, researchers, product managers, analysts, content writers, marketers, and end users from across the continent
Elizabeth Rosenzweig
Read also: Youverify Wins Prestigious GRC and Fincrime Award for Best GRC and Financial Crime Prevention Solution Provider of the Year
Insights from WUD’s Founder
Elizabeth Rosenzweig, the founder and keynote speaker of WUD, described the day as a historic moment. She emphasized that WUD’s expansion to Africa symbolized a significant leap in empowering local innovators to advance human-centred design, “for Africans, by Africans.”
Reflecting on her career at Apple and Kodak, Elizabeth inspired the audience: “Keep your fire bright, don’t let anyone define you because you have untapped wells springing inside of you.”
She envisioned a future where Indigenous Knowledge Systems, combined with user-centered design, address complex regional and global challenges effectively.
Workshops That Set the Tone
To mention a few, Tunde Kabir Mason, Head of Product Design at Kuda, delved into the concept of “Trust” and its vital role in creating successful user experiences. His emphasis on trust as the foundation of user engagement set the tone for the discussions that followed.
Dumebi Iwuchukwu, meanwhile, explored the power of storytelling in design, demonstrating how compelling narratives can turn data into something both accessible and impactful, ultimately improving usability.
Iwalola Sobowale introduced innovative research techniques that push beyond traditional surveys, offering fresh approaches to gathering user insights. Her focus on unconventional methods encouraged attendees to rethink how they connect with users and extract valuable feedback.
Olamilekan Dauda shifted the conversation towards the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in productivity. He discussed how AI can revolutionize design and product workflows, urging everyone to embrace its possibilities for enhancing both creativity and efficiency.
WUD Africa ‘24 in Redefining Africa’s Role in Global Innovation
WUD Africa ‘24 was steered by a passionate team led by Joseph Kalu, who, alongside Azeem Gbadamosi, Folajomi Rukayat Bello, Tiwanijesu Sulaiman, Solomon Eyitene, Somtochukwu Mbamalu, Mujeedah Ashiru, Clement Bassey, Precious Edeki, Sodiq Lasisi, Daberechi Okorie, Babalola Toluwanimi, Robinson Maggie, Chukwuemeka Grace and others, ensured a seamless experience.
The event’s convener, Joseph Kalu, emphasized its long-term vision. “WUD Africa isn’t just about the here and now. It’s about shaping a future where African designers are at the forefront of African and global usability and innovation,” he said.
“WUD Africa ’24 was more than just a celebration of innovation. It was a bold statement about Africa’s place in the future of product and solution creation.” Said Azeem Gbadamosi