The Design Process

Our way of working is based on design thinking, a non-linear, iterative process. Through this process we investigate and test different solutions to arrive at the best outcome. This allows us to effectively understand what problems need to be addressed, why these problems exist and how they can be best solved to the benefit of our clients and the communities they serve. It requires us to listen, to be empathic, analytical, and creative. Employing our Design Process leads to innovative solutions and concepts that create value.

Understand

The goal of every new project is to make it a success. For our client, ourselves, and society. We listen, ask questions, and analyze to understand the unique conditions in which each project exists. To truly understand the problem that needs to be solved we work with an open and analytical mindset.

Define

In this phase, we define the project's strategic concept . This is informed by our analysis of the challenges and opportunities present, and allows us to build a robust design brief to test ideas against and develop a design concept from.

Test

In this phase we test alternative solutions to broaden our understanding of what might be the right answer to a project's challenges. We employ sketching and visualisation tools to give form to the project's strategic concept.

Form

We compare tested ideas against the design brief to determine which solution best correlates to the project's desired outcomes. This forms the architectural concept. A concept that is an answer to the project's collective questions and that is expressed through a concrete design idea.

Production

Now we take the architectural concept and refine it. Translating it from concept into a built outcome through the production of drawings, documentation and co-ordination with other actors involved in the project.

Communicate

For a project to be realised we need to effectively communicate our proposed solution to a diverse group of people. How we define and present a project's vision and narrative is crucial to its success.

The Kanozi Compass

Is sustainability more important than economics? Is technology more influential than aesthetics? These are difficult but important questions, and the reason behind why we developed the Kanozi Compass, a tool that helps us and our clients to set the right priorities when working on a project.

How we use the tool

Together with our client, we go through the project step by step. The Kanozi Compass guides the discussions and provides a structure for the conversations to move forward.

The four parts of our Compass

There is no contradiction between opposing quadrants. A project can focus on both economical reasons and demand—or on narrative and societal requirements. Our approach has been framed by finding out what makes the project successful for the client, with balance as our goal, and that's what our Compass is for.

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